Source:  News Release/Colin McClelland

Ireland has historic win in Boekelo Nations' Cup

IRELAND'S eventing team of Cathal Daniels, Jonty Evans, Padraig McCarthy and Joseph Murphy achieved an historic win in the Netherlands this afternoon when they delivered the first ever Irish FEI Eventing Nations'Cup victory since the series began in 2012.

Holding the overnight lead at the three-star show in Boekelo after cross country yesterday, the Irish team saw off strong challenges today from the USA and New Zealand, who finished second and third respectively.

In a nail-biting finish today, with Ireland holding a marginal overnight lead, Joseph Murphy and Westwinds Hercules were the only Irish combination to finish the show jumping phase on a zero score.

Nineteen year-old Cathal Daniels, who had helped take Ireland into the lead with a clear round in the cross country phase yesterday with Rioghan Rua, returned with 12 faults, while Padraig McCarthy and Simon Porloe had two fences down for eight faults. Jonty Evans on Cooley Rorke's Drift left all the poles up but incurred three time faults.

However, as the USA and New Zealand battled it out for silver and bronze positions, Ireland's lead gradually widened, and at the finish were a decisive 22 penalty points ahead of second-placed USA, with New Zealand settling for third.

Afterwards, Eventing High Performance Manager Nick Turner said: "I am absolutely delighted for the team, who each showed great resolve and a determination to win the final leg on the Nations" Cup here in Boekelo. The win is as a result of great teamwork and focusing on delivering the best individual performances  in each phase.

"With areas that we can still improve on over the next 300 days in the build up to Rio, the goal of a podium finish at next years Olympic Games is looking very much within our sights!"

Ten countries competed in the Nations' Cup.

Ireland's team at Boekelo were:

Padraig McCarthy riding Simon Porloe (PZHK) 2000 bay gelding by Sofix out of Babilonia by Czubaryk. Owner: Christopher & Sarita Perkins

Cathal Daniels riding Rioghan Rua (ISH) 2007 chestnut mare by Jack Of Diamonds (SWB) out of Highland Destiny (ISH), by Flagmount King (ID). Owner/Bred by Margaret Kinsella, Co. Galway.

Joseph Murphy riding Westwinds Hercules (ISH) - 2005 bay gelding by Ramiro B (BWP) out of Westwinds Clover (ISH) by Porter Rhodes (TB). Breeder: Alice Keogh. Owner: Alison Schmutz & Andrew Tinkler.

Jonty Evans riding Cooley Rorkes Drift (ISH) - 2006 gelding by Courage II (HOLST) out of Doon-A-Ree Lass (ISH), by Rachel Comet (TB). Breeder: William McCarrison, Co. Down. Owner: Fiona Elliott.