SHOW JUMPING COMPETITIONS:THE DRAW has been made for the Aga Khan Nations Cup trophy iwhich takes place at the Horse Show in Dublin today – with Ireland drawn in the seventh slot from eight teams.
Show director Pat Hanly reported “strong ticket sales with some fabulous competition . . . and a full house. There has been a fantastic reaction by the Irish public to the Aga Khan competition.”
George Morris, the US chef d’equipe and one of the world’s leading trainers, has been competing in Dublin for 40 years. This year he takes a master class at Simmonscourt but his first priority is his team of Christine McCrea, Lauren Hough, Laura Kraut and Beezie Madden.
The Nations Cup draw sees France go first, followed by the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, US, Britain, Ireland and Germany.
“Fifth is a nice slot, not too early and not too late,” Morris said. “After the first few go, the strategy is clear and it is all the same after that.”
Denmark as the outsiders have been given odds of 1,000-1 by the bookies according to show commentator Brendan McArdle.
British team boss Rob Hoekstra has left John Whitaker out of the squad because his stallion Peppermill has been out of action for a while. “We have 25-year-old Scott Brash, who has excelled in Aachen and St Gallen. If Britain doesn’t win, I hope Ireland do.”
Robert Splaine, who did not name the Irish squad until after 5pm yesterday, has included Nicola Fitzgibbon and Puissance after her superb performance in the jump off-class on Wednesday.
The rest of the team comprises Billy Twomey, Denis Lynch and Shane Sweetnam.
“This Nations Cup is the most important of all,” Splaine said, “because it’s Dublin and it’s the Aga Khan. It is most important to the Irish people, including breeders and owners. This will be a huge test, there is no doubt about that.”
Former world showjumping champion Dermott Lennon claimed victory in the speed derby on Loughview Lou Lou, owned and bred by Judith Sossick and sired by the Hillsborough-based stallion Limmerick.
Loughview Lou Lou added to her lengthening tally of international success when she was untouchable to win Ireland’s most prestigious speed international.
Lennon, who has scored three wins in the derby in Dublin, was elated to win on the statuesque bay mare.
“I got Lou Lou at Christmas and she just gets better and better,” Lennon said.
“She had an 18- month lay-off due to injury and, after winning in Aachen and Dublin, I can safely say she is ready to upgrade to Grand Prix and possibly Nations Cup level.”
Ballina ace Alex Duffy was second on Courtown in the speed derby having led until he was overhauled by Lennon.
Laura Kraut continued her winning form to take the Knight Frank power and speed event with her consistent bay mare Dona Evita. Kraut, who is personal trainer to Jessica Springsteen, daughter of singer Bruce Springsteen, collected €7,500 for winning in 30.67. Ireland’s Denis Lynch on the diminutive Night Train were second in 30.80 for €5,000.