Young Irish Team Claim Nations Cup Victory at Andalucía Sunshine Tour

A young and determined Irish team rose to the occasion at the Nations Cup of Andalucía Sunshine Tour, producing a series of top-class performances to take a well-deserved victory. Led by Chef d’Équipe Taylor Vard, the developing squad of Niamh McEvoy, Ethen Ahearne, Susan Fitzpatrick, and Max Wachman showed composure, consistency, and confidence beyond their years to finish on top of the podium against strong international opposition.

Taylor Vard – Chef d’Équipe

Chef d’Équipe Taylor Vard was full of praise for his riders after their impressive performance.

“To win any Nations Cup is incredible, but we came here with a young development team, planning for next year, and they’ve just gone out and won — and they’ve won well,” he said. “It’s an exciting group for next year’s three- and four-star Nations Cups, and who knows what else after that.”

Niamh McEvoy and Olympic

Niamh McEvoy and her talented partner Olympic produced two flawless rounds, picking up just two time faults in the second — a performance that set the tone for Ireland’s success.

“I’m delighted with Olympic — he jumped incredible,” McEvoy said. “We’re a relatively inexperienced team here together, so it was fantastic to get the win. We all owe this win to our background teams — the grooms, trainers, and everyone that helps us. It’d be impossible to do it without them, and we’re delighted we could deliver this win for them.”

Susan Fitzpatrick and Lovely Stassi PS

Susan Fitzpatrick and Lovely Stassi PS jumped two impeccable clear rounds to help seal the Irish victory. It’s a fairly new partnership at Nations Cup level, making the result even more impressive.

“It was brilliant — I’m just delighted,” Fitzpatrick said. “My horse gave me everything today. We’ve got such a good group of riders, and to see it all come together for a win like this is really special.”

Ethen Ahearne and LVS Goldrush H

Ethen Ahearne, riding LVS Goldrush H, delivered an important clear round and reflected proudly on what the win meant to him and the team.

“I just want to thank everyone that’s touched this horse,” he said. “I’ve been involved with him for the last few years, and especially the owners, Derry and Emma Walsh. It’s been a great experience bringing him up to this level. We’re all very good friends here, so it means a lot to win with your friends.”

Max Wachman and Tipperary

Max Wachman, riding Tipperary, also produced a vital clear round across the two rounds, helping to keep Ireland at the top of the leaderboard.

“We’re all delighted,” Wachman said. “It was a brilliant performance by everyone — riders, horses, and the people behind us. This win brings us closer together and gives us great confidence for what’s ahead.”

Looking Ahead

The Nations Cup victory in Andalucía marks another strong step forward for Ireland’s development squad. With double clears from Susan Fitzpatrick and Niamh McEvoy, and crucial clear rounds from Ethen Ahearne and Max Wachman, the young Irish team demonstrated impressive depth and talent.

“We came here to develop,” said Taylor Vard, “and we leave as champions.”

Valentina Sozzi – Ph Moises Basellote

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