Equestrianism: Hermon's double clear extends French lead

The French drew further ahead in the Samsung Super League series when they won yesterday's Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show here, finishing one fault ahead of Britain who finished an honourable second. Ireland and the Netherlands were eight faults further back in joint third place after more than three hours of fluctuating fortunes.

Christian Hermon made the major contribution to the French victory with a double clear round on Ephebe For Ever, while Robert Smith did the same for Britain on Mr Springfield. "Robert was outstanding," Derek Ricketts, the Great Britain team manager said. "It would have been nice for us to win, but I'm still pleased to finish so close to the French."

At half-time France and the Netherlands had shared the lead on a zero score, with Britain close behind on four faults. The Irish, who had started favourites, were languishing in equal sixth with Sweden at this stage. But they did have something to cheer when their last two riders - Billy Twomey on Luidam and Kevin Babington on Carling King - jumped clear rounds to move Ireland up into equal third.

Nick Skelton was first to go for Britain on Arko III from whom great things were expected after his double clear at Hickstead. The stallion's eight faults in the first round and four in the second were therefore something of a disappointment, though far from a disgrace. Michael Whitaker had started with a wonderful clear round on Fleur, before having three fences down at the second attempt - which, according to Ricketts, may have been because she was not fully fit.

William Funnell did a marvellous job in containing the difficult mare, Amber du Montois, for four faults in the first round and just one for exceeding the time in the second. Smith then proved himself a brilliant full-back with his two faultless rounds.