For the second year in-a-row and the third time in the last four years, Ireland took victory in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup in Vancouver, Canada.
The stand-out Irish performance came from Shane Sweetnam and the Irish-bred James Kann Cruz (ISH). The 10-year-old gelding, bred by Patrick Connolly of Connolly Sport Horses in Co Galway, didn’t put a foot wrong on the way to an outstanding double clear round.
Along with Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz (ISH) chef d’Equipe Michael Blake’s team included Daniel Coyle (Gisborne VDL), David Blake (Claude) and Conor Swail (Nadal Hero & DB). Ireland completed the two rounds of competition with just 4 penalties on their scorecard, with Canada finishing second—just a rail behind them with 8 penalties—followed by the United States on 28 penalties.
James Kann Cruz was one of just two horses to jump double clear. He added –
This is tough sport. It’s difficult, and you’re always putting your best foot forward,” Sweetnam said. “You’re trying your best for the team. We have great team spirit, and we wanted to win. This week I tried a new bit and I think it’s the best [James Kann Cruz] has jumped this year
Image: James Khan Cruz credit FEI
Full results available here – https://results.hippodata.de/2023/2306/docs/r_nc_team_2023_user_(1).pdf
BREEDING
James Kann Cruz (ISH) – 2013 gelding by Kannan (KWPN) out of CSF Telly Cruz (ISH) by Cruising (ISH). Breeder: Patrick Connolly. Owner: Gizmo Partners LLC. Rider: Shane Sweetnam (IRL).