Ireland take Aga Khan with aplomb

“I’m over the moon. It’s fantastic,” said Ireland show jumping manager Robert Splaine after his team captured the Aga Khan Trophy with aplomb at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show yesterday.

It is Ireland’s first win in the nations cup showcase in eight years and it copperfastened a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for the Corkman and his squad, who spent much of the season anchored to the bottom of the FEI Top League and facing relegation, but ultimately finished in third place.

“Ireland have never been out of the Top League and this is our best finish ever. We have won two competitions this season, which we have never achieved and it is proof Ireland is a real force in show jumping,” said Splaine.