There was high drama at the Dublin Horse Show today when the Nation’s Cup came down to a sudden death jump-off between Ireland and our nearest neighbour whom we are no longer allowed to call “the old enemy” since the royal visit earlier this year.
After nearly three hours of jumping, when Ireland stayed resolutely at the top or near the top of the leaderboard with France and Great Britain, a mistake by the French rider Michel Robert left Ireland and England staring at one another once again.
The British picked their best man, Nick Skelton, on a beautiful grey, Carlo 273, and Ireland sent Billy Twomey from Cork to jump. Skelton had a flawless round, but Twomey sent the second fence clattering, handing the Aga Khan trophy to Britain..
Twomey, who had the good grace to confess after his performance that he felt “he had left everyone down”, said he was a “bit gutted by what had happened”.
He told a press conference after the event it had been difficult going into the ring for the second time. The Irishman was very gracious about Skelton’s ability as a top-class rider.
A huge crowd turned up for the competition in the main show ring, and the cheering got louder as Ireland looked as if it could win the event in front of the President Mary McAleese who was attending the event for the last time in that capacity.
As the jump-off came closer, people abandoned the trade stands and bars and crowded into the arena to witness what would have been a very welcome boost for the national ego.
However, it has to be said the British team were given a very warm reception by the crowd who applauded as they made their triumphant victory circuit of the parade ring. It is the 25th time our neighbours have won the competition.