Although the Irish team was not taking part in the sixth round of the Furusiyya Nations Cup at Falsterbo last weekend, the event still had an impact on Ireland’s standing in the league. Along with Britain, we have dropped back into the relegation zone in joint ninth place. Both the British and the Irish will be hoping to improve on that position at their last two points-gaining outings in Hickstead and Dublin early next month.

To avoid relegation from division one, Ireland need to finish above 10th in this year’s league. But to make it into the rich €2m final in Barcelona in September, we have to finish among the top seven.

So there is some work to be done at Hickstead and Dublin in order to increase the 130 points gained at La Baule and Rotterdam.

Meantime, Robert Splaine has named a team for the non-league cup in Aachen this weekend. It includes Shane Breen, Cameron Hanley, Darragh Kenny, Denis Lynch and Billy Twomey.

At Falsterbo last Saturday, Capt Michael Kelly had a clear and a four to place third in the Derby with the Cruising mare Mo Chroi.

Babington wins Calgary Derby

Riding the superb 10-year-old Irish-bred mare Goodwins Loyalty, Ireland’s Kevin Babington won the Spruce Meadows Derby in Calgary on Sunday. One of 10 clears in the prestigious event, he came out on top by all of four seconds ahead of the USA’s Nick Dello Joio. Goodwins Loyalty is by OBOS Quality and out of a Candle King dam. She was bred by Goodwins Gardins Stud in Kells, Co Kilkenny, where a number of her relatives are also showing great promise. She was formerly ridden by Shane Breen.

“This mare has a wonderful long stride and that worked well for us,” said Babington after his win.

“I was an event rider before I got into show jumping. I really only got into show jumping sort of halfway serious at 18. I did a little bit of steeple chasing too, so I’m well used to galloping,” said Babington.

Still in Canada but on the east coast, Galway’s Andrew Bourns won the Rockwood Grand Prix with Karina Aziz’s Chacco’s Goldy and the Welcome class at the two-star show.

To top it off, Bourns won Sunday’s Grand Prix, riding his own Casper, an eight-year-old gelding by Indoctro.