Denis Lynch's last fence jump-off error costs Irish dear

“I apologise,” murmured a crestfallen Denis Lynch yesterday after his jump-off error at the last fence handed Italy a surprise victory in the nations cup at Dublin Horse Show.

The Tipperary rider and his team-mates Bertram Allen (Hector van D’Abdijhoeve), Cian O’Connor (Good Luck 5), and Greg Broderick (MHS Going Global) had shown themselves to be worthy champions all afternoon, only to be matched by the Italians until the end of normal play, with both teams finishing on zero.

It meant for a tense jump-off, with Lynch nominated by Ireland manager Robert Splaine to continue Ireland’s bid to retain the Aga Khan Trophy they won last year.