Equestrianism: Beerbaum inspires Germany past Ireland in Nations Cup

Germany thwarted Ireland's attempt at a third consecutive victory in the Samsung Nations Cup at the Royal International Horse Show here yesterday, but only by 1.24sec after both countries finished the two rounds on a total of 16 faults. Time decided the next two places as well, with the Netherlands 4.57sec ahead of Britain, also on a 20-fault total.

Cian O'Connor, at 22 the youngest rider in the competition, was the only one to achieve a double clear. His two foot-perfect rounds on the enormously-impressive Waterford Crystal are certain to gain him a place on the Irish team for September's World Equestrian Games in Spain.

Ludger Beerbaum, Germany's European champion, had looked all set to share the individual honours with O'Connor until Gladdys erred going into the final treble. His time was, nevertheless, fast enough to ensure a fourth German Nations Cup victory.

The British quartet had been despondent after a total of 20 faults in the first round, but three of them – Di Lampard on Abbervail Dream, Tim Stockdale on Parcival and a determined Mark Armstrong – raised morale when jumping clear at the second attempt.

The biggest disappointment came from Scott Smith, who jumped a double clear on Cabri d'Elle in Aachen, but had a two-round total of 20 faults here. The same team of riders had been due to represent Britain in Dublin early next month, but chef d'equipe Derek Ricketts acknowledged that the quartet could now be revised.

Ricketts will announce a squad of five or six riders for the World Games on Sunday, and name the final four after Dublin.

ROYAL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW (Hickstead): Samsung Nations Cup: 1 Germany 16 faults in 257.83sec; 2 Ireland 16 faults, 259.07; 3 Netherlands 20 faults, 262.61; 4 Great Britain 20 faults, 267.18. GB scores: Abbervail Dream (D Lampard) 4,0; Cabri d'Elle (S Smith) 8,12; Elise (M Armstrong) 12,0; Fresh Direct Parcival (T Stockdale) 8,0. Coyle Hamilton Chase: 1 Diamond Cliff (R Splaine, Irl) clear, 74.51sec; 2 Patchoulit Kesterbeekbos (R Angot, Fr) clear, 76.70; 3 Gentlemen (A Johannpeter, Br) clear, 76.77. Cowfold Speed Stakes: 1 Fandzi de St Paul (H Godignon, Fr) 72.09sec; 2 Livingston (R Whitaker, GB) 73.32; 3 Dreampoint (D Coakley, Irl) 75.79. British Young Riders Championship: 1 Nicolette II (R Whitaker) 4 faults, 54.04sec; 2 Narnia (T Gredley) 4 faults, 61.92; 3 Landini (V Mallin) 8 faults, 54.78.