Irish team pipped by Germany in League of Nations

A strong performance from the Irish showjumping team saw them finish as runners-up in today's opening leg of the new Longines League of Nations series in Abu Dhabi.

A thrilling competition saw the result hang in the balance until the very last rider left the arena, with Germany emerging as winners ahead of Ireland in second and Sweden in third.

Ireland came into the competition as the world's top-ranked team and for much of the drama-filled action that followed, it looked as though Ireland would emerge victorious.

Richard Howley was selected by team manager Michael Blake as first to go for Ireland, with the Sligo rider full of confidence following his recent double of wins in the Longines FEI World Cup series.

Riding Equine America Consulent de Prelet Z, Howley gave Ireland the perfect start with a foot perfect clear round. Kildare's Mikey Pender was next to jump and he added another clear with HHS Calais (ISH) who was bred in Kilkenny by Ita Brennan.

Third to go for Ireland, Tipperary's Denis Lynch and Cordial looked to be heading for a clear round, but lowered the last fence to finish on four faults. Ireland were still in a strong position on a zero score as their last combination entered the arena.

Louth's Mark McAuley was last to go for Ireland in the first round with GRS Lady Amaro (ISH), bred in Wexford by Denis Hickey. A hugely impressive clear left Ireland on a first round score of zero and with a one fence advantage over Germany and Sweden who were in a share of second.

Under the new Longines League of Nations format, just three riders from each team go forward to the second round of competition, with all three scores to count.

Michael Blake selected Richard Howley, Mikey Pender and Mark McAuley and the Germans and