Ireland win final FEI Nations Cup Eventing competition but Britain secure overall title

Britain secured the Nations Cup Eventing title despite finishing fifth in the final event ©FEI

Ireland secured their first ever victory at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Nations Cup after a series of solid performances at Boekelo in The Netherlands, but it would not prove enough to prevent Britain from taking the overall title.

Following the dressage stage of the competition, New Zealand were on top of the standings after Jonelle Price had produced an excellent round on Cloud Dancer, with her team-mates putting in similarly high-quality efforts.

The Kiwis were also competing to secure a place at the Rio 2016 Olympics with the event acting as an Asia-Pacific qualifier, and their performance in the early stages saw them all but seal their berth as Japan were well down the standings.

However, less impressive performances in the cross country discipline, which saw several of their riders collect time penalties despite clear rounds, allowed their rivals to have the chance to seize top spot in the competition.

Ireland, who began the second event in seventh place, overhauled New Zealand in style as Cathal Daniels sped around the course on Rioghan Rua to become the first of only four riders who completed the course in the optimum time of 10 minutes, 32 seconds.

The debutante gave his team-mates the perfect platform to boost their position and further quick times from Jonty Evans and Joseph Murphy elevated the team into first place with an overall score of 174.9.

“We had some exciting young horses and everyone pulled together and was focused,” said Nick Turner, Ireland team manager.

New Zealand secured a place in the Rio 2016 Olympic event ©Twitter

“It’s a great note to finish on this season and it sets the team up in good spirits for Olympic year.”

The United States claimed second place after ending on 197.0, while New Zealand eventually slipped to third on 198.9 but secured their spot for Rio 2016.

Having appeared in all seven events of the season the British team had built a substantial lead over their nearest challengers Germany, who had missed two events, in the battle for the overall victory.

A fifth place finish for Britain in the final event of the season would prove enough to seal the win with Germany, who won the 2013 and 2014 editions, ending sixth in Boekelo.