The feelgood factor returned to the RDS stands in Dublin with Ireland's first Aga Khan Trophy win in three years.
The crowds clapped and cheered after the Irish team’s emphatic victory against some of the best showjumping teams in the world.
It brought a sense of a new era in Irish showjumping. A special cheer was reserved for Bertram Allen, who turned 20 last week and rode a horse, Romanov, only three years younger than him.
Veteran
By comparison Cian O’Connor is a veteran, winning his third Aga Khan on his 100th
Nations Cup
appearance. The other team members were
Greg Broderick
, who had two clear rounds, and Darragh Kenny, who didn’t even have to jump in the second round because
Ireland
had wrapped it up.
At the end, a slow trot turned into a gallop as the triumphant team paraded around the arena with the gold trophy and €64,000 prize.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring was among the first to congratulate them. "Ireland has a great equestrian tradition and a great love of the Aga Khan Trophy." It is "a wonderful way to start the weekend".
The FEI Nations Cup was not without dramatic moments. The lowest fence was the biggest hurdle for a couple of experienced riders. Last year's winners, the United States, were in a good position when Charlie Jayne's horse Valeska unseated him and sent him head first into the water at the water jump. Switzerland's chances evaporated when Olympic champion Steve Guerdat's horse Corbinian refused at the same place.
Among those watching was Eddie Macken who represented Ireland 27 times in the Nations Cup. "I know what Friday in Dublin is all about," he said.
Based in Vancouver, Canada, as a trainer, Macken relishes visits home, although his tan gives an indication as to why he is not inclined to move back permanently. "I get to follow the sunshine," he says.
Macken hopes the Irish team can become the household names he and his contemporaries used to be, but he acknowledges the competition is much stiffer today.
“Back then we didn’thave all that fantastic coverage of sport on TV. When I was a kid, the highlight of the summer was to wait for the Horse of the Year show in Wembley to be televised.”
Superstar
Macken bumped into another veteran superstar of the sport,
Harvey Smith
, who shocked the genteel world of showjumping with a V-sign back in the day. The pair had a good chat. “Harvey’s bark is worse than his bite,” Macken said.
President Michael D Higgins, who was at the show with his wife Sabina, also offered his congratulations.
“The Irish team had the full support of a most enthusiastic Irish crowd, who greatly enjoyed . . . the determination and skill.
“I wish this most exciting and talented Irish team every success in the years ahead”.
