essential

This Thursday 5th July, Ireland won the Nations Cup for the fifth time in its history at the CSIO 5* in Aachen. The Irish's last victory in this legendary event dates back to 2010. At that point, Denis Lynch and Cian O'Connor, the Emerald Isle's opener and fourth rider respectively, were already in the game. Under Vistogrande's control this year, First City made a mistake at the first hurdle in the first round, before charting a better course in the second stage. The fallen 2004 Olympic champion had a flawless first round with Selle Français Fancy de Kergane and didn't have to start in the second. Indeed, Shane Sweetnam, James Caan Cruz and Bertram Allen, along with Pacino Amiro, have been selected as starters and substitutes respectively for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Doubly clear each one. In fact, the Irish total remained without penalties. “To say I'm happy with this win would be an understatement (laughs),” responded Irish team leader Michael Blake. “The last time these four riders competed in the same team was in Gothenburg in 2017, when they won the European Championship together. That was seven years ago and it hasn't happened since, so it's great to see them win here. Winning the Nations Cup in Aachen has been on my dream list for a while and now it's a reality. I am very happy tonight. “

With this win, after already winning the inaugural Longines Nations League (LNL) at the start of the outdoor season in Ocala, Clover's representatives offered themselves a new self-selected performance, followed by second place in Abu Dhabi. CSIO in Rome became the 5* Nations Cup. It is enough to calmly wait for the Olympic Games, during which the Irish will be one of the favorite countries! Today, they defeated the Mexican team and the Great Britain team who were able to honor the invitation to Aachen.

the blue ones

The French could count on another great performance today from Francois-Xavier Boudant and Brasil du Mezel. Authors of a double clear round at the Barrier Nations Cup at CSIO 5* in La Boule, the duo did it again today, where they started as openers. Aurelien Leroy committed two faults in each round under Croixel de Blegnac's control. The duo first triple exited – that's from number five – on a vertical eight ground, before losing on the river and the final bull. Olivier Robert, who connected with Iglesias Div., scored four points in each of his stanzas and still managed to leave a triple without a penalty after a very delicate edge in the second act. Finally, Kevin Stout, the fourth to start with Visconti du Telman, signed a crucial clear in the first round to allow France to qualify for the second round. At this point, he couldn't avoid a mistake in the middle of the triple.

Tops

It is impossible not to mention the performance of the Mexican team among the tops in this Cup of Nations, ultimately second. The South American nation managed to tally two double clears. The first was signed by Andrés Ascarraga and Contenderos, while the second was to the credit of Eugenio Garza Perez and Contago, who had already finished an impressive fifth at the Aix Grand Prix last year. As for their teammates, Nicolas Pizarro had an excellent run first before collecting nine penalties at Pia Contra, while Federico Fernandez had eight points and four points as Romeo's reins were born at Barachiel d'Oil. “There are no words to describe the feeling this second place gives us”Mexican moved. “We are extremely grateful to the organizers and the FEI (It extended an invitation to Mexico, editor's note) For allowing us to participate in one of the most beautiful pageants on earth. Entering this track gives you chills as everything here is magical. The audience is amazing and it's great for all of us to be there. I am proud of my teammates and happy that we can rely on such good horses to deliver impeccable results. We will never forget this moment. “

Also, beyond the sportsmanship of the team, it was nice to see the warm encouragement of those around the Mexicans throughout the event. Of course, less than a month before the Olympics, Great Britain also gave a good indication by finishing third, only having one Olympic horse in their team. It's none other than Hello Jefferson, the former Gerenmias van Het Hulstenhoff, Scott Brashin's mount, who signed the double zero today after doing it last year. Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batley performed similarly, while Robert Whittaker had just one fault in the second round with Vermento. Things were a little tougher for Harry Charles, who scored four and twelve points with the Casquo Blue.

flops

Normally a very demanding event, the Nations Cup in Aachen saw no fewer than eleven double clear rounds achieved this year. If we can be happy that so many couples have come out well ahead of the original course envisioned by Frank Rothenberger, who put both of his combinations in the three and five figures, one number seems a bit low. . The second flop of this team event tied the first. Thus, Switzerland, who won the tournament last year, could not even qualify for the second round, which consisted of eight teams this year. However, Helveti only had eight points in total! Indeed, Steve Guerdat, in the company of his trusty Venard de Serisi, crossed the finish line without a minor penalty, while Janika Sprenger, Romain Duguet and Martin Fuchs were awarded four points along with Aureille, Hunger Games du Champ du Wood and Commissioner Pezzi.

Results
All CHIO Aachen events are broadcast live and then available on demand on ClipMyHorse.tv, where Kamel Boudra and Fabienne Daigneux commentate on this Nations Cup.