The atmosphere was electric this Friday afternoon at the François André Stadium as ten nations lined up for the Nations Cup Barrière, the flagship team competition of the Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France.

The CSIO5* 1.60m Nations Cup, designed over two rounds with four riders per team and the best three scores counting, delivered suspense and sporting excellence at every turn.

After the first round, Belgium and Ireland emerged tied in the lead — both with perfect scores of 0, while Great Britain followed closely on 4 points. France, despite a passionate home crowd, finished the first round with 12 points. USA and Italy failed to qualify for the second round, ending their campaigns early.

In the second round, the tension mounted quickly. The first riders for both front-running teams held strong: Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) aboard Katanga v/h Dingeshof and Bertram Allen (IRL) with Qonquest de Rigo both delivered crucial double clears.

Ireland kept the pressure on with another clear from Seamus Hughes Kennedy (ESI Rocky). Belgium’s Pieter Devos, however, picked up 4 penalties — putting the Belgians on thin ice.

Meanwhile, Brazil staged a brilliant comeback. Their first three riders delivered clear rounds, pushing them up to provisional third place and relieving Rodrigo Pessoa (Major Tom) from having to jump the final round — the team securing the third podium position with 8 points.

The final showdown came down to the wire. Ireland’s Tom Wachman and Tabasco de Toxandria Z made it three double clears in a row, meaning Cian O’Connor and Bentley de Sury didn’t even need to enter the ring.

All eyes then turned to Gilles Thomas, Belgium’s rider with the magnificent Ermitage Kalone. Unfortunately, a rail at fence 2 cost him and his team 4 points — giving Ireland the win with a flawless zero-score performance over two rounds.

Final Standings:
🥇 Ireland – 0 points
🥈 Belgium – 4 points
🥉 Brazil – 8 points