Aidan Keogh, Michelle Kenny, Austin O’Connor and Declan Cullen
In the FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Saracen Horse Feeds Houghton International in Norfolk, the Irish Team led by Chef d’Equipe Rodney Powell took to the podium in 3rd place . An excellent show jumping phase had moved the team into third slot before the cross country, after clear rounds from : Aidan Keogh with PRIDE OF TREDSTEP owned by Patrick Hughes, Austin O’Connor with COLORADO BLUE owned by The Salty Syndicate and Michelle Kenny with RLE ASPE owned by Spencer Golding,Declan Cullen with SEAVAGHAN ASH owned by Becky Cullen, had one pole down for four faults.
Declan Cullen and Seavaghan Ash were first out on the cross country – to produce a great start for Ireland
With the team starting the cross country on the final day, Declan Cullen with SEAVAGHAN ASH ,got Ireland off to a good start in finishing clear inside the time. Next out was Austin O’Connor with COLORADO BLUE, finishing with just 5.6 time penalties, next out was Michelle Kenny with RLE ASPE, finishing with 20 jumping and 12 time penalties. Final combination for Ireland was Aidan Keogh with PRIDE OF TREDSTEP who came home with 4.8 time penalties, to leave Ireland on a total of 118.1, securing their place on the podium.
The British team who had started in the lead had a disappointing cross country, as Holly Woodhead and Parkfield Quintessential, were eliminated. When Katie Bleloch parted company from Bulano, the team gained a 1000 point penalty score. That left the team’s finishing on a score of 1098.1 .
Germany went on to take the at this leg of the Nations Cup. All four team members went clear across the country, resulting in them finishing on a score of 99.8.
The US team had no room for errors, having only three team members so no allowance for a discount score. After finishing on a team total of 109.1, they took the second place on the podium.
Austin O’Connor and LUCKY CONDENDER – placed 9th in the CICO*** at Houghton Hall
In the Individual results in the CICO3* Austin O’Connor and Lucky Contender finished in 9th place, after posting clear rounds in both show jumping and cross country to finish on their dressage score.
