O'Connor in Ireland squad for German Nation's Cup
Team Ireland Equestrian’s Show Jumping Team Manager Robert Splaine today announced his squad for the Nations' Cup of Germany which will take place in Aachen next Thursday night, July 15.
The squad includes, Shane Breen; World Cruise, Dermott Lennon; Hallmark Elite, Denis Lynch; Lantinus, Cian O’Connor; K Club Lady, Billy Twomey; Je T’aime Flamenco or Tinka’s Serenade
Robert Splaine said that he was pleased to be able to call on such a strong team of riders for Aachen for what is one the biggest days in the sport in any year.
“This is a hugely prestigious competition and one for which all the teams will be at full strength. Our position in the Meydan league is far from comfortable and we need a strong performance in Aachen,” he said.
Explaining the selection Splaine said that he was delighted to be able to call on 2009 Aachen Grand Prix winners Denis Lynch on ‘Lantinus’ along with Cian O’Connor and Billy Twomey who have shown top form in the early season Nations' Cups.
Shane Breen has also earned his place with ‘World Cruise’ who performed particularly well in the Grand Prix at Rotterdam following a long break from the top level of the sport.
“World Cruise has been a great servant for Shane Breen, his owner Vinny Duffy and the Irish team over the years,“ Splaine said today.
“He has performed well in Aachen in the past and his form with Shane suggests he may be coming back to his best.
“Shane and Carmel and Dermot Ryan’s ‘Carmena Z’ have been stalwarts for the team all year and the reason he doesn't line out at Aachen is because I really want to avoid overusing him by spacing his performances,” he said.
"Falsterbo was the first Meydan show for Dermot Lennon with Woods Rosbotham’s ‘Hallmark Elite’ so they haven't really got a chance to be tested and I feel there is a room for improvement so I have decided to bring him on to Aachen to keep them at top level,” he said.
“Jessica Kurten was coming to Aachen with ‘Castle Forbes Libertina’ but the mare sustained a knock last week while competing in the Global Champions tour at Estoril and will be out for a while, which is a huge blow.
“‘Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois’ jumped in Rotterdam and I hoped the mare would step up again in Falsterbo but Jessica and I agree that the mare will need some more experience at this level before taking on a challenge like Aachen.”
