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.
