By Frank Mulvihill
Belgium wins Junior Championships after jump-off
Belgium came out on top after a three-way jump-off with Great Britain and Italy in the Junior European Championships at the impressive Green Glens venue in Millstreet, Ireland. The three teams finished with a tied score of 8 faults. The jump-off failed to separate Belgium and Italy on faults but Belgium with the fastest time came home with the Gold Medal. Italy won Silver and Great Britain the Bronze. The Jubilant Belgian team consisted of Zoe Conter (Zeta Di Sabuci, Simon Morssinkof (Gines Van De Klunderd), Emile Conter (Fragile Van’ T Paradijs), and Giles Thomas (Indiana V.H. Kapelhof).
Ireland takes Gold in Young Riders Championships
Ireland were convincing winners of the European Championships for Young Riders held in Millstreet, County Cork, Ireland. The Irish made full use of home advantage when coming home with just a 5 faults total. The Netherlands filled the runner-up spot on 10 faults and the Swiss team took the bronze on 13 faults. Chef d’Equipe, Comdt. John Ledingham said:
“We are absolutely thrilled. We have won many underage medals over the years but this is, in fact, our first Young Rider team Gold. There was an incredibly strong line-up of Europe’s top teams here in Millstreet and to come away with the Gold is a fantastic achievement. A huge amount of credit must go to the riders, their parents and the owners who put their horses forward to represent Ireland. One of these owners, Stanny Van Paesschen from The Netherlands, has been a huge supporter of Irish Show Jumping over the years and him along with all our owners have shown enormous generosity.”
Team Ireland Equestrian consisted of Michael G Duffy (Felix XXVII), Matt Garrigan (Contino 56), Max O’Reilly Hyland (Ahded Du Calvaire) and Gavin Harley (Understone Van de Kapel).
Spain wins out in Children’s Championships
Spain emerged victors in the European Championships for Children on Horses at Millstreet, Ireland. The Spanish team returned a zero score with Germany and Italy both on 4 faults. The Germans eventually took the Silver Medal spot after a jump-off. The Spanish team comprised Theo Chuualeduc (Petit Chateau), Iraia Elordui Alvarez (Rua Yar), Riar Mateos De Urbina (Casion) and Jacobo Ussia De Garay (Queen Blanchelande).
Full results available on www.millstreethorseshow.ie
