Bidding to add more points to the 80 gained in La Baule, Rodrigo Pessoa’s squad will attempt to do what no Irish team has ever done over the past 90 years as they aim for the Coppa di Italia in the iconic Piazza di Siena, Rome tomorrow (Friday).

He has named three from our winning Drammen side in Mark McAuley, Paul Kennedy and Michael Duffy. They join Shane Breen and Shane Sweetnam who were both on the side that came a good third at the French Cup in La Baule

Nations Cup jumping began in Rome all the way back in 1911.

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The current series started the same year as our Aga Khan, in 1926, and has remained a top venue on the international calendar ever since. Its arena is perhaps the most unique in the whole world.

During 11 months of any year the Piazza di Siena is just a grassy patch surrounded by Roman pines in the heart of the Villa Borghese park. Hence, it gives no indication that every April it reverts to being a world famous show jumping venue.

Ireland has bid to win there on many occasions down through the years. Our Army side was presented with medals there my Mussolini back in 1935. In 1978 our dream team of that era ran the French to a jump-off. But we have never won it.

Other than Shane Sweetnam and Shane Breen, who delivered that superb double clear at La Baule, Pessoa’s selection for this challenge is untried at Division I level. They will be up against some cracking sides including the Italians, who will be aiming for a their first home win in many seasons. Our best wishes go with the green jackets this time out.

Meantime, fresh from our stirring win in Drammen, Michael Blake brings a strong squad that includes both experienced campaigners and some novices to the Division II round at Lisbon tomorrow. Topping the group are Greg Broderick and Sophie Dalm.

They are joined by Lanaken star in the World Young Horse Championships last year Michael Pender, former World Champion Dermott Lennon, David Simpson and Derek McChoppin.