Equestrianism Macken seals Irish triumph

Equestrianism

GENEVIEVE MURPHY

reports from Aachen

Ireland celebrated a momentous victory last night, after defeating Britain and the Netherlands in a tense contest between 11 countries on the fourth day of the German Nations Cup meeting.

The Irish team has triumphed here only twice before (in 1937 and 1979), and they were runners-up last year when Britain beat them in a jump-off. It had looked as though history might repeat itself with another jump- off between the same two nations until Eddie Macken, last to go on Miss F.A.N., finally settled the issue in Ireland's favour with a fine clear round.

Britain had started the competition with clear rounds from Nick Skelton on Everest Dollar Girl, Geoff Billington on It's Otto and Michael Whitaker on Midnight Madness. There was no need for John Whitaker to complete the course on Welham, so he jumped seven fences and retired with the discard score.

It was much the same story for Ireland. Macken jumped only five fences, knowing that the team would finish the first round on a zero score because Peter Charles on La Ina, John Ledingham on Kilbaha and Trevor Coyle on Cruising had already gone clear.

France also finished round one without penalties, but their chances took a nosedive when their first rider, Philippe Rozier, retired after two refusals. Britain's hopes were boosted with a second clear from Skelton, but two disappointing rounds were to follow.

Billington had looked set for another British double clear until losing his forward momentum into the final double, where It's Otto hit both parts. Michael Whitaker also made two mistakes with Midnight Madness, leaving the door open for Ireland. But a polished clear round from John Whitaker on Welham meant that Macken had to do the same if a jump-off were to be avoided.

Four riders jumped double clear rounds: Skelton for Britain with Dollar Girl, the Olympic champion, Ludger Beerbaum, for Germany with Ratina, Albert Voorn for the Netherlands with Jewel's Amethyst, and Trevor Coyle for the winning Irish team on Cruising.

Cruising, who was jumping here for the first time, appears to have all the scope in the world. This was only the third Nations Cup for the 10- year-old stallion, but he already seems certain to play a major part in Ireland's renaissance as one of the leading nations in show jumping.