Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Ireland displayed a precision-lade performance to pip hosts UAE and clinch the first Longines League of Nations (LLN) qualifier of the year at the Emirates Jumping Cup in thrilling fashion in Abu Dhabi.
Ten of the world’s top show jumping nations went head-to-head at Al Forsan International Sports Resort with a prize money of €700,000 on the line for the winners.
After the first round, the field narrowed to the top eight teams, with France, the UAE, and Ireland leading the charge on a faultless scorecard while the Netherlands, USA, and Sweden bowed out early. The remaining contenders carried faults ranging between eight and 12 into the second round.
That’s when Ireland raised the bar, delivering a masterclass in precision and consistency.
Denis Lynch, Trevor Breen, and Michael Pender produced crucial clear rounds to secure victory on their path to the LLN Final in October.
The home favourites finished second with eight faults, buoyed by flawless performances from Abdullah Al Muhairi and Abdullah Al Marri. France rounded out the podium in third place with 12 faults.
“We’ve been to a lot of Nations Cups, and winning on zero is pretty hard to do,” said Ireland’s team leader and Chef d’Équipe, Michael Blake. “When you have a top technical course, and it’s early in the year, it means your riders go out there and haven’t made a single mistake all day.”
It was a remarkable achievement especially for Breen, who’s back in top form following a fall last year that left him hospitalised. “It’s been a strange year, but with support from my wife Caroline, her parents, and of course my kids, I’m back, competing again. I didn’t call Michael early to talk about the LLN, as I didn’t expect to be back so soon, but I’m grateful for the trust and to be on the team with these lads,” Breen said.
William Funnel, Chef d’Équipe of the UAE team, commented that the team had developed a great deal over the past year and has plans to compete in Rome and Falsterbo, before heading to Hickstead, England.
The day began with the CSICh Cavalor Children’s Cup, where young Emirati talent Khaled Ahmad Al Mheiri and Urtimack des Abbayes stole the show with a lightning-fast, faultless round in 19.97s, securing victory ahead of Bahrain’s Abdulla Mohamed aboard Espoir des Forets (21.28s). India’s Mysha Khan and Clinturo claimed third in 21.48s to add to their title on the third day.
Next, the CSIJ Al Forsan International Sports Resort Cup saw another impressive triumph for Layth Ghrayeb of Syria and Elite de Ponts, who clinched the win in 18.38s. Emirati rider Mohamed Majed Al Nuaimi and Doolin Bay secured second place (19.76s), while Noora Al Shamsi (UAE) took third with a steady clear in 23.68s.
Ahead of the LLN competition, the crowds were treated to Emirati culture with flag-bearers atop traditionally adorned Arabian horses, a tent pegging demonstration and a showcase featuring camels, Salukis and falcons. Then, the 11 participating nations made a spectacular entrance, with the team leaders swapping their usual mounts for camels in a one-of-a-kind parade that celebrated and captured the essence of Emirati heritage.
Between rounds, the Z7 show horses returned to captivate the crowd with a breathtaking performance, blending artistry and horsemanship in a moving display of trust and harmony.
The CSIO5* Al Shira’aa Challenge brought the competition to a close. The 1.50m class with a €105,000 prize fund saw Germany’s Jörne Sprehe jump with Toys to victory with a double clear in a time of 43.53s.
Italian rider Giacomo Casadei followed in second place, riding Corradiena van’t Klein Asdonkz, also double clear but in a slower time of 46.64s. Belgian rider Rik Hemeryck finished in third place on Caristello JPZ, stopping the clock in 51.58s.
