Ireland Clinches Historic Victory at Millstreet

Ireland Clinches Historic Victory at Millstreet in FEI Eventing Nations Cup

Ireland achieved a significant milestone by winning the third leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ at Millstreet (IRL) this weekend. Despite a rough start after finishing last in the Dressage phase, the Irish team consisting of Ian Cassells, Patrick Whelan, Jennifer Kuehnle and Robbie Kearns made a spectacular recovery. They moved up to third place during the Jumping phase, where all riders delivered clear rounds, and ultimately excelled in the cross-country phase with four fast, clear rounds, finishing with a score of 110.2. This victory was particularly special as it marked Ireland’s first Nations Cup win on home soil after many attempts.

The USA’s all-female team secured second place with a score of 113.7, while Australia, with only three team members, finished close behind with 114.2.

Dan Albert, the Irish Team Chef d’Equipe, expressed his happiness after the prize-giving ceremony. While Ireland has a strong eventing tradition, it has struggled in the Nations Cup series. Albert praised the team’s determination and Jenny Kuehnle’s crucial performance as the final rider.

“It was really tight, but they (the riders) all have very good jumpers, and, most importantly, they really wanted to win on home ground. There was a bit of pressure on Jenny (Kuehnle) to come up with the goods as last to go but she pulled it off. They are a good bunch of riders, and they have all come up through the system,” said Albert.

Key performances came from Jennifer Kuehnle on Polly Blue Eyes and Patrick Whelan on Altitude, both finishing on their Dressage scores. Ian Cassells contributed significantly with a double clear and only 2.4 cross-country time penalties on Millridge Atlantis. Robbie Kearney on Ballyvillane OBOS also added to the score with minimal faults in each phase.

This leg of the Series attracted riders to Ireland after the cancellation of the second leg at Chatsworth due to excessive rainfall. With sunny weather, Millstreet saw large crowds and high praise from participants. Neil Mackenzie-Hall from New Zealand, the technical delegate, remarked, “It was a brilliant competition and a great result. Eventing is about three disciplines and today cross-country proved the decider.”

Millstreet continues to draw top competitors, including Clarke Johnstone, Tim and Jonelle Price from New Zealand, and two-time Olympian William Levett (AUS). The USA’s experienced female team, all successful at the five-star level, added to the competitive field. Great Britain and New Zealand rounded out the top five.

Set in the scenic grounds of Drishane Castle, Millstreet’s charm and challenging cross-country courses, designed by the renowned Mike Etherington-Smith, made it a highlight event. Etherington-Smith’s designs for the Olympic Games in Sydney (2000) and Hong Kong (2008), the World Championships (2010), and the European Championships (2005, 2019, 2021) attest to his reputation. Riders praised the event’s conditions and organization.

Currently, Team Australia leads the series with 140 points, followed by France and Ireland, both with 100 points. The Nations Cup series will continue next weekend in Avenches, Switzerland (June 6-9), and conclude in Boekelo (NED) from October 10-13.