Tipperary brothers on Irish showjumping team that retained its European championship

The Gain Equine Nutrition Irish Under 21 (Young Riders) team are back-to-back European champions after dominating the field to win in Peelbergen in The Netherlands.

The team of Niamh McEvoy, brothers Tom Wachman and Max Wachman from Gooldscross, Cashel; Francis Derwin and Rhys Williams won with a rider to spare after Derwin’s clear round meant they couldn’t be caught by their pursuers.

Ireland held a commanding lead overnight after some scintillating performances earlier in the week and they had the luxury of poles to spare. After an unfortunate eight faults for McEvoy with Jasmim Da Hermida, Tom Wachman settled any potential nerves on board Cathalina S, having just one pole down.

With the lead built up, it meant that a clear round, or even four faults from Derwin and Flexi K (ISH) would guarantee back-to-back wins and he duly delivered to secure the title in style. Max Wachman and Kilkenny (ISH) had one pole down after the victory was sealed.

Horse Sport Ireland Youth Showjumping team manager, James Kernan, said: “To win one European Championship is a phenomenal achievement but to go back-to-back is truly special.

“They are a fantastic bunch of riders who give everything they have every time they put on the green jacket and they have worked so hard to get where they are – I’m incredibly proud of them.

“We had obviously given ourselves a great chance of the victory after the way we had jumped before today, and this afternoon was really about managing the lead and making sure we got over the line – but we’ve done it in style”.