Splaine leads Irish rout in Switzerland
Riding the stallion Coolcorron Cool Diamond, the Corkman took the top prize, denying team-mate and fellow Corkman Billy Twomey on Luidam. In a further boost to Irish hopes ahead of tomorrow’s Samsung Super League Nations Cup, Kevin Babington placed sixth on Carling King.
Fourth team member Cian O’Connor opted to rest his horse Waterford Crystal for tomorrow’s big class.
Splaine’s win was a revenge of sorts, after he was fourth behind victor Twomey in the grand prix at La Baule recently. But the Belgooly man had to be at his best, with Twomey just five-hundredths of a second adrift, as the Cork duo posted the only double clears.
Babington said the result showed Ireland could pose a serious challenge to the all-conquering French tomorrow.
“I think we can beat the French. If it goes our way, we are in with a very good chance,” said Babington. “If today had been the nations cup, we would have won. The only downfall now is that our horses may be tired on Sunday, but we will rest them today.”
France top the Super League on 20 points, having won the opening two rounds. Ireland share second place with Germany on 10.5pts.
