Team Ireland win the Furusiyya Nations Cup in Ocala, FL ph. Erin Gilmore
Robert Splaine, Irish Chef d’Equipe: “The footing was great and the course designer did a great job. The second round was significantly harder, there is no doubt about that.”
“We have a lot of Irish riders based over here in the US, with great owners. I am always looking to broaden our base of riders so I come here quite often. It’s been a great competition today in a fantastic venue. These horses are unknown at this level, so if I can get 1 or 2 of them to come to Europe and jump in Division 1 that would be great. I would like to mention Lorcan (Gallagher) who did an absolutely fantastic job, he was the man of the match!”
“We have already agreed that we would love to come back here to Ocala next year to compete!”
Georgina Bloomberg USA, talking about her mare, Juvina who jumped double-clear in today’s competition: “We have been saving her for this competition. She is a very reliable horse, she loves the Nations Cup. I thought she did great today!”
Conor Swail IRL, talking about his horse, Grafton: “he’s just turned nine. I was off last year for a bit (injury) but when I came back I jumped him in Calgary and then to Dublin where he did some speed classes. He started his nine-year-old year coming second in the Grand Prix at week 1 of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, it was a 1.45m class, and he has impressed me a lot so far this year. He’s a lovely horse and when his time comes he’s going to feature on a lot of teams. His owners, Susan and Ariel Grange, have played in big part in my success.”
Tom Struzzieri, Event Director: “We were excited to get this opportunity at HITS. Longines and Furusiyya make it so much easier to put this all together with all their support. We are happy with the results, although there are always things to improve, naturally.”
John Madden, Chair FEI Jumping Committee: Congratulations to team Ireland and well done to Martin for building such a great course. Thank you to Ocala for being such a wonderful city and host – they were extremely welcoming and professional. A special thank you and well done to Tom (Event Director) and the rest of his staff; they were really great to work with. I also have to thank the USEF – they are a great FEI partner and an important stakeholder to HITS. I also want to extend my thanks to Furusiyya for their vision and commitment towards continuously building something special. The FEI Nations Cup™ is the most important event to the FEI. For Furusiyya to come in and revamp the format whilst always focusing on the horse in everything they do is absolutely key.”
Robert Ridland, USA Chef d’Equipe: “There were already some odd things happening with Lauren’s horse in the warm-up arena, these things happen. It’s very difficult to understand as the footing was great, the weather was good and a lot was riding on the competition but these things can happen.” s