So when the final fence was jumped today it was the Italian flag that went up the flagpole as the National Anthem rang out around the arena - and there would not have been a person in the place that wasn't delighted for the team who left the A League with such dignity - they did not throw in the towel, they threw out a challenge and newly appointed Chef D'equipe, Markus Fuchs made it clear that it is the intention to go to the European Championships in two weeks time and again see the Italians "in first position" !

The French finished equal fourth in Dublin today but that still gave them enough points to win the overall league and pick up the bonus €100,000 for the league win - so the French were smiling even with an equal fourth with the USA.

Pictured above left - Timothee Anciaume...................Pictured above right - Roger Yves Bost

Pictured below left - Kevin Staut................................Pictured below right - Penelope Leprevost

And with the last jump for the 2009 Meydan/FEI Nations Cup season jumped there will be a few things which still need to be clarified - with the leaderboard showing:

1st - France - 48 points
2nd - USA - 44 points
3rd - Germany - 39 points
4th - Switzerland - 35 points
5th - Ireland - 28.5 points
........Netherlands - 28.5 points
7th - Sweden - 23 points

8th - Great Britain - 22 points
........Belgium - 22 points

10th - Italy

The two bottom teams are to be relegated to the B League so obviously Italy leaves the A League but what will happen with Great Britain and Belgium? Will there perhaps be a countback or will the names be thrown in a hat?

No doubt we will be informed as soon as a decision is made and we look forward to seeing fresh faces in next seasons A League as two new countries lift to elite level.

As the standings on the promotional league (B League) stand right now it would seem that Norway and Spain are assured of the move upwards as there are only two legs to go and the third placed country ( Denmark) is some 22+ points off the pace.

It has been a fabulous day which was presided over by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese and President of the FEI, Princess Haya.

Princess Haya has a great affinity with Ireland, having spent much time training with the late Paul Darragh and has recently purchased the lovely Irish bred Heritage Fortunas from Marion Hughes, so continuing her love affair with all things Irish.

Some more points of interest from the Aga Khan Cup, the final leg of the Meydan FEI Nations Cup League:

There were three elinations - and all three were caused by the double - 5A (a 1.54m vertical) and 5B (a 1.50m x 1.60m oxer).

Max Kuhner, for Germany was eliminated in both rounds and Jur Vrieling for Netherlands was also eliminated in round one. THe Dutch did not start in

Round two as the second lowest team in round one.

There were no double clears jumped in this leg and 8 single clears jumped.

The 4.2m open water fence (9) took 5 victims in round one and 7 in round two.

Second placed Swiss team -

Pictured above left - Pius Schwizer............................Pictured above right - Niklaus Rutschi

Pictured below left - Niklaus Schurtenberger...............Pictured below right - Beat Mandli