Irish riders shine individually but struggle as team

June has been a remarkable month for Irish riders at the top level of individual competition.

At the three five-star Nations Cup meetings that have been held on the European circuit since the beginning of the month, the Grand Prix event has seen Irish riders dominating affairs.

It started on the first weekend of June when Bertram Allen and Hector van d’Abdijhoeve pounced as last to go to win the Swiss Grand Prix at St Gallen. If he hadn’t won, there would have been an Irish victory anyway, as Richard Howley and Chinook were holding fast in pole position until the Wexford rider’s late effort.