Tipperary showjumper to the fore as Ireland dominate the European Championship

Ireland’s Young Riders (Under-21) dominated a field of 16 nations to win the FEI European Show Jumping Championship in Gorla Minore, Italy this afternoon.

The GAIN Equine Nutrition Irish team of Rhys Williams, Niamh McEvoy, Seamus Hughes Kennedy, Max Wachman and Ciaran Nallon were imperious all week and, led by Team Manager James Kernan, stamped their authority in the final round to win the competition for the first time since Millstreet in 2016.

Ireland led going into yesterday’s final round on a score of 2.5, with Britain second on 10.41 and Belgium in third on 11.09, meaning Ireland had a dropped fence to spare over their nearest pursuer.

It wasn’t needed, however, with Tyrone’s McEvoy and Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick (ISH) leading the way with an awesome clear round on what was proving a difficult course in a time of 73.34 seconds. That settled team nerves and gave McEvoy an excellent chance of also securing an individual medal on Sunday.

Overnight individual standings leader Williams was next up with Mullingar International Grand Prix winner Playboy JT Z and the Clare man was desperately unlucky in his round, finishing with just one pole down to finish with four faults in 74.91 seconds. 

That would prove to be Ireland’s discard score, however, as Hughes Kennedy and ESI Rocky (ISH) secured the victory with an ice-cool performance, leaving every pole standing in a time of 76.10 seconds.

Tipperary showjumper Max Wachman and Quintini were the very last combination to enter the arena and even with victory secure for his team, the 2022 Aga Khan winners jumped impeccably, finishing clear in 75.89 seconds to put the final touches on the ruthless victory. In the end, Ireland finished on 2.5 points, with Belgian way back on 15.09 and third-placed Britain on 18.41.

1992 Olympian Kernan, who had preached focus and caution throughout the week at the Italian venue, couldn’t hide his emotion any longer, saying: “I’m absolutely thrilled – it was the only colour medal I wanted this week and I knew this team had the talent to deliver it.

“To win in that fashion is absolutely incredible, with that amount to spare over the Belgians and Great Britain. They’ve all jumped so well all week, they’re a superb bunch and we’re over the moon.

“I must give a huge thanks to all of the supporters and the team here on the ground. The parents, grandparents, grooms, our vet Seamus McSorley, it is a massive undertaking to come out here and win a European Championship, and everyone has been terrific.

“The likes of Greg Broderick, Cian O’Connor, Jason Foley and Ger O’Neill have been here all week with these teams, and they’ve had a huge influence on things – it’s very much a team effort.

“We have a fantastic programme, with excellent sponsors – GAIN Equine Nutrition have been a huge supporter for a long time and I’m sure it’s great for them too.

“This team isn’t finished yet too – we have Niamh and Seamus in the medals heading into Sunday’s individual final with Rhys and Max hot on their heels, plus the Juniors are in first place ahead of their final tomorrow so let’s hope for some more medals.”