By Horse Sport Ireland / HSI
Photography: Sportfot
It has been a busy few weeks in terms of both underage and senior European showjumping championships, with the next generation of Irish riders have signalled their arrival to the forefront of the sport in impressive fashion.
Ireland’s Junior team led the way when becoming European Junior team champions after a stunning display at the FEI Jumping European Championships in Riesenbeck, Germany.
Denis Flannelly’s team of Alice Wachman, Tabitha Kyle, Paddy Reape, Jack Kent, and Emily Moloney closed out the competition in style at Ludger Beerbaum’s venue, taking the gold medal on a final score of 6.99.
After three fantastic days of scintillating jumping, the Irish team proved to be too strong for Europe’s best and secured gold ahead of the Netherlands who finished in second place on a score of 12.79, with Belgium finishing third on 20.60.
The Irish team were well placed in fifth position of 22 competing nations after the opening speed round. A dominant display on day two saw them shoot into a clear lead, and the afternoon ofday three was all about consolidation as the chasing pack attempted to apply pressure.
First to jump was Reape and Mr Rocky Blue (ISH), bred in Co. Down by George McCullogh, and they were unfortunate at the wall for four faults. Reape kept his composure under pressure, however, and came home with just that blemish which would keep Ireland in the lead regardless.
Mr Rocky Blue was sired by Chacoon Blue (MV), a popular sire for Ireland’s breeders, and out of Ardeche Z (Z) by Artos Z (Hann). Ardeche Z has also produced the stallion Marco Polo Z (ISH) by Beach Ball (ISH) who competes at 1m35 level with British rider Sophie Austin.
Next into the arena was Tabitha Kyle, daughter of Irish Olympic event rider Mark Kyle, and BP Goodfellas (ISH), owned and bred by the Ballypatrick Stables outfit of brother and sister duo of Greg and Cheryl Broderick, and once again they did as they had all week, delivering a flawless round of jumping. It meant that a clear round from Wachman would secure the gold medal for Ireland, with closest pursuers for the Netherlands more than a fence behind...
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