INTERNATIONAL NEWS

“THIS BODES WELL FOR IRISH SHOWJUMPING”

THE Irish squad of Andrew Bourns (Sea TopBlue), Cian O’Connor (Cerruti Van Ter Hulst Z), Eoin McMahon (Chakra 9) and Max Wachman (Berlux Z, pictured below) beat 10 other teams, including fourth-placed Great Britain to win the CSIO4* Nations Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, USA.

“When you see guys like Eoin, Max and Andrew and how well they’re able to get stuck in and do the job, it really bodes well for the future of Irish showjumping,” said Cian, who trains 18-year-old Max, who jumped one of five double clears.

Great Britain, represented by Jessica Mendoza (Play), Sam Hutton (H&M Kirlo Van Den Bosrand), team debutant Matthew Boddy (Balotelli 5) and Ben Maher, who produced a double clear on Faltic HB, returned home on 16 faults.

Ben and Faltic went on to finish third to McLain Ward (HH Azur) in the grand prix, with Amanda Derbyshire fourth on Cornwall BH.

“EMOTIONAL” WIN FOR BEERBAUM

THE Longines Global Champions Tour kicked off in Doha, Qatar, with grand prix glory going to Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum riding the grey mare Mila, just holding off a strong challenge from Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann with King Edward.

ALLEN’S THIRD BIG WIN

BERTRAM ALLEN landed his third big class in as many weeks, winning the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier at Ocala, Florida, riding Harley VD Bisschop after an 11-horse jump-off.

“I knew I had to give it everything,” said Bertram.

GRAND PRIX SUCCESS

ELLEN WHITAKER (Fiona Des Hayettes) and 19-year-old Sienna Charles (Chinta Van Geluut Z) landed CSI2* grands prix on tours in Spain, where British riders were in flying form.