‘Expensive’ time faults cost Irish

TIME proved the crucial factor in yesterday’s Nations Cup contest at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, separating winners Britain from the also-rans and costing Ireland crucial points in their Samsung Super League relegation battle.

In a competition that seemed to be over at the half-way stage, Britain almost contrived to throw away a nine-fault lead in the second round and only ran out winners by a single fault to League leaders Germany.

For Ireland, it was a case of did reasonable, could have done better. Fifth place in itself was not what was hoped for, certainly, but, with preparations overshadowed by controversy, the fact the team finished ahead of the last-placed Netherlands means the two countries swap places at the bottom of the League in what is becoming a ding-dong relegation battle.