Runner-up finish for Ireland in Longines EEF Series Final

The Irish Show Jumping squad at the EEF Series Final (l-r) Jenny Rankin, Seamus Hughes-Kennedy, Taylor Vard (Chef d’Equipe) Francis Derwin, Jason Foley and Jessica Burke

The Irish Show Jumping team of Jessica Burke, Jenny Rankin, Seamus Hughes-Kennedy and Francis Derwin, managed by Taylor Vard, have finished as runners-up in the 2024 Longines EEF Series Nations Cup Final in Warsaw (POL).

Ireland and Italy were tied for the lead on a zero score at the halfway stage, with Jessica Burke (Express Trend (ISH), Jenny Rankin (Ibiza) and Francis Derwin (Flexi K (ISH) all jumping clear. Nothing could still separate the Irish and the Italians at the end of round two as both teams finished on a two round total of eight faults, meaning a jump-off would be required to decide the winners.

Seamus Hughes Kennedy and ESI Rocky (ISH) were selected to go against the clock for Ireland and they put the pressure on Italy with a clear in 42.42 seconds. The experienced Piergiorgio Bucci and Hantano set about chasing the target and they crossed the line clear in 41.73 to secure Italy’s third win in the EEF Series Final. Ireland would finish second while third place on the podium went to Germany,

BREEDING
Flexi K (ISH) – 2013 gelding by Flex A Bill (ISH)[TIH] out of Deeply Dippy K (ISH) by Luidam (KWPN). Breeder: Knightfield Stud, Co. Kildare.

ESI Rocky (ISH) gelding by Stakkato Gold (HANN) out of Clonaslea (BWP) by For Pleasure (HANN) Breeder: Ennisnag Stud owned by Clare Hughes ridden by Seamus Hughes-Kennedy.

Express Trend (ISH) – 2010 gelding by Future Trend (OLD) out of Condios Express (ISH) by Condios (HOLST). Breeder and owner: Liam Nicholas. Rider: Jessica Burke (IRL).

Longines EEF Series
The Longines EEF Series, run by the European Equestrian Federation, is now in its fourth year.
The Series is proudly supported by Longines and the events are a Nations Cup Competition that is designed to develop horses and riders through consistent exposure to quality events and team format competition, replacing the previously known Division 2 Nations Cup series. Run across 3* and 4*, the events focus on growing the breadth and depth of talent to bring more combinations to the highest level, from all nations in Europe.