A MAGNIFICENT display of horsemanship saw the nearly relegated Dutch team win the Meydan FEI Nations Cup final leg with a total of only four faults.
In a competition that kept 30,000 spectators riveted for three hours, Ireland excelled to finish equal second with the USA, giving them a fourth place finish overall in the Meydan FEI Nations Cup league, which has now jettisoned Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Poland for next season.
France won the Meydan League final on 53.5 points in addition to taking fourth yesterday with 24 faults.
The USA were second in the league on 44, ahead of Great Britain on 42.5 and Ireland in fourth with 38 points.
Ireland’s chef d’equipe Robert Splaine was proud of his four-man squad of Denis Lynch, Cian OConnor, Billy Twomey and Dermott Lennon, who kept their cool despite a 16 fault opening round to earn equal second and €36,000.
Earlier Lynch’s recurring back problem played up as he hobbled round the pocket. “My back was aching, very painful and [it was] just another of those days.”
Later, a relieved Lynch paid tribute to his colleagues. “For a small country we did a great job to finish in the top four of the Meydan League. I want to ride again here next year, we came here with a bit of a wounded team and finished second.”
Twomey added: “It was a great team effort . . . the crowd were phenomenal supporting the French and Dutch. It was really warming to see that.”
Meath native Paul McAuley, general manager of the Emirates Equestrian Centre, was effusive in his praise of both the RDS and the Nations Cup event.
“I have never missed an Aga Khan competition in 40 years, and now returning here to represent the sponsor is a great honour. We are delighted with the event and league final.”
Splaine was extremely happy with second and fourth place in the league. “We have Kentucky in our sights and over the next few weeks we will reminisce and plan. Congratulations to my team, the Dutch, the French and the RDS for putting on a great show.
“They did a fine job, it has been an incredibly tough year and a difficult series for Ireland with three shows back to back, which put us under pressure. In Hickstead we achieved our goal of avoiding relegation.
“Dermott had a tough show, but he did his best and I want to thank him and his owners. Billy had a very good day and showed why I wanted him to go first with his clear round.”
Bob Ellis, the course builder, said: “The competition was a cliffhanger. In fairness to the Irish they came back to fight in the second round and produce real class rounds. Marc Houtzager’s was the best round of the day and I couldn’t believe that no-one hit the first fence.”