Davies is elevated as Captain rises to the occasion

Andrew Davies moved into fifth place in the Western European League of the World Cup on Saturday, when he rode Captain Wellington to win the qualifier at the World Cup Show here in County Cork.

Andrew Davies moved into fifth place in the Western European League of the World Cup on Saturday, when he rode Captain Wellington to win the qualifier at the World Cup Show here in County Cork.

The Welshman, who had been in contention for a place on Britain's Olympic team, completed one of only two clear opening rounds. First into the jump-off, he left himself vulnerable when the horse removed a rail from the last fence, but Ireland's Edward Doyle, the Welshman's sole rival, failed to capitalise on the mistake when his Wingates King Koal had two fences down in a faster time.

Doyle had fallen off after completing his earlier clear round, but he had already gone through the finish and so remained eligible for the jump-off. Meanwhile Robert Smith, who was favourite after winning the World Cup pre-qualifier on Friday night, had dropped out when Senator Mr Springfield lowered the second part of the double, the 12th of 13 fences.

Carl Edwards also had a single error with his Olympic mount, the mare Bit More Candy, who hit the first and easiest fence on the course. Both Smith and Edwards were among the eight who shared third place, collecting 11 points each for the World Cup League.

Davies now has to decide whether he will avail of the winning rider's option to compete in another World Cup contest before he takes Captain Wellington to the Olympia Show Jumping Championships in December. "If we go anywhere it will be to Amsterdam, but I haven't yet made up my mind," Davies said, after winning his first ever World Cup class.

Cameron Hanley, winner of the King's Cup at Hickstead, took the Irish Indoor Grand Prix on Ballaseyr Leonardo.