Nations Cup, Dublin: unstoppable USA win again

It was another victory for the US team led by coach Robert Ridland at the Nations Cup in Dublin. After triumphing at last week’s events in both Hickstead and Gijòn, the American riders won again at the latest stage in Dublin.
What makes it even more impressive is the relatively youthful line-up that took to the field and all eyes were on the debutant Jessica Springsteen who repaid the faith shown in her with a double clear. There were no errors either for Charlie Jayne on Chill RZ although there were 4 faults recorded by the youngster Katie Dinan on Nougat du Vallet. Nevertheless she bounced back superbly in the second round for a faultless run.
As for the team’s veteran star Beezie Madden, there was no need for her to even perform in the second round on her mount Simon. The pair picked up 8 penalties in the first round which were immediately discarded by the US coach allowing her to not even take to the field for the second round and avoid compromising the American’s overall score. For coach Ridland and his riders it’s the second successive Nations Cup win in the most prestigious of groups: the European Division One.
It’s a strong message by the US team to the rest of the nations and a confirmation that they are one of the ones to watch at the World Equestrian Games.
As for the rest of the field, Great Britain came in second place with 8 penalties overall. The best of the British team was Spencer Roe on Wonder Why who was the only rider to score a double clear for the nation coached by Rob Hoeckstra. There were 4 penalties for Joe Clee with Utamaro d’Ecaussines and Scott Brash on Hello Sanctos in the second round, with the Scottish rider’s score not taken into account by the coach.
It was a day to forget though for Ben Maher and his performer Cella who ended up with 4 penalties in both of the rounds with the first score discarded by the British coach.
The final podium slot was shared by Ukraine, France and Sweden with 16 penalties each. The rest of the teams finished as follows:
6th Ireland – 20 penalties
6th Holland – 20 penalties
8th Germany – 24 penalties
Please see the following link for a full list of the results: https://www.horseshowjumping.tv/files/Results_9.pdf
source: longinestiming.com