THE Irish show jumping team had an evening to forget in Rotterdam last Friday, however an early showing of top results meant they still topped the inaugural Longines League of Nations and sailed through to the final in Barcelona this October.

Having won the second leg in Ocala and finished runner-up in Abu Dhabi’s opening leg, Ireland had already secured qualification for the decider in Spain and, despite having a strong team in Rotterdam, a couple of mistakes meant they faded down the order to finish eighth. The new format, whereby just three of the four riders return for the second round, leaves no margin for error.