EQUESTRIAN SPORT: THERE WAS disappointment for the Irish show jumping contingent at St Gallen yesterday with the team finishing eighth of 10 in the third leg of the Meydan FEI nations' cup series, having just managed to qualify for the second round.
Shane Sweetnam fared best in round one when recording a clear on Amaretto d’Arco, Billy Twomey picked up four faults on Je t’Aime Flameco while Denis Lynch incurred seven faults with Lantinus.
Unfortunately, the Cian O’Connor partnered Complete was eliminated and, when it was discovered that the 12-year-old gelding had suffered an overreach, he was withdrawn from the competition.
Down to three riders, it was always going to be difficult to improve position in the second round where Lynch went clear, Twomey was credited with a single time fault and Sweetman amassed nine faults for a two-round total of 21. This left the team last of the eight which qualified with the USA and Germany, both on four faults, having to face a jump-off which the Americans won. They now head the league standings on 22 points. Ireland is lying last on 3.5.
As an individual, O’Connor has been enjoying better luck at the Swiss five-star show and yesterday added to his prize-money haul when placing second in the 1.45m speed class with Irish Independent Echo Beach.
