Ireland claim gold at Nations Cup in Bratislava

The Irish show jumping team put in a spectacular performance to win the EEF Longines Nations Cup in Bratislava on Saturday evening.

Taylor Vard's team of Harry Allen, Jason Foley, Comdt. Geoff Curran and Thomas Ryan jumped brilliantly in the purpose-built arena within a football stadium to top the podium.

On a thrilling evening under lights, Allen led the way for Ireland jumping double clear riding Calculatus, with Foley matching his teammate on board Oscar V/H Hulstenhof.

It all came down to Ryan and Di Cantera van ter Hulst Z, with Ireland needing one more clear round to seal the victory.

Coolness personified, Ryan was imperious on his mount, never touching a pole to take home the win for Ireland.

Having finished second following a jump-off last time out behind The Netherlands in Drammen, hopes were high coming into the competition this evening despite torrential rain scuppering the Irish team’s chances of schooling under the floodlights last night, but Allen, Foley, Curran and Ryan were brilliant throughout, with five clear rounds from eight.

Austria and hosts Slovakia filled the podium, with both nations finishing on five faults, just one behind Ireland, who added no penalties in round two, having been on four at the halfway stage.

"We’re obviously delighted with the win," said Comdt. Curran. "This is a lovely show and we’re very happy to be here, but to win is the icing on the cake."

Allen, who was in sensational form throughout, said: "The arena is absolutely amazing, the horses come to life and there’s a lot to look at, but it suited my horse perfectly.

"The course builder did a very good job, it was very fair and I’m very happy with my horse – he’s quite green at this level so I’m very impressed with him."