Macken leads makeshift team to Nations Cup victory in Florida
The Vancouver-based legend was offered the post last Friday and was already set to line out in Florida, but the quartet of Kevin Babington, Darragh Kerins, Conor Swail and Jennifer Crooks gave him every reason to accept the position, reeling in Britain in round two to record victory before 14,000 spectators at a chilly Palm Beach Equestrian Club.
US-based Tipp man Babington was the star of the season's first Nations Cup, the anchor rider posting the only double clear of the contest with the borrowed gelding It's Morado, a horse that normally competes at upper amateur level. Swail was also on a borrowed horse, but his second-round clear on Lavaro at a crucial time belied the combination's lack of familiarity. Kerins, riding Galaad Du Murier, had one down in each round as a tricky course took its toll in the nine-country contest, while Crooks came from behind at the half-way stage to overtake Britain and record an emphatic victory.
"This is our first win here in Palm Beach," said Macken. "It's something we've been trying to do now for three or four years and now we've put ourselves at the top. Next year, we'll have a chance to defend our title rather than chase after it," said the Longford man, who has yet to thrash out contract details for the chef d'equipe's post, but is expected to do so soon.
Of his unique double clear, Babington said he was just following orders. "No pressure at all. Eddie told me earlier in the day, all I expect out of you is two clean rounds is all," he said. "
Babington said a stone bruise incurred by Carling King had forced him to saddle up It's Morado. "He actually competes in the high amateur owner jumpers for his owner, Dr Kelly Maloney," he said. "She rode him for the first three weeks of the circuit, but she gave him to me to ride on into the best part of this year."
There was further success yesterday, when Billy Twomey claimed the grand prix at Tour in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain. Producing one of two double clears, the Corkman, riding Anastasia III, had almost a second to spare over France's Michel Robert (Galay D'Auzay). On Saturday, Jessica Kürten scored four faults with Quibell in round one to finish equal 12th in the World Cup qualifier in Paris.
