Irish Eventing team move up Olympic leader board after superb Cross Country performance in Paris

An exceptional performance from all three members of the Irish Eventing team today (Sunday) at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, has seen them climb three places and they are now up to eighth spot ahead of tomorrow’s final Show Jumping phase.

Sarah Ennis with Action Lady M (ISH) and Susie Berry with Wellfields Lincon were both clear jumping, picking up just time penalties, while four-time Olympian Austin O’Connor had a stunning round with Colorado Blue, jumping clear inside the time. Ireland are now on a combined score of 121.10 and are less than 30 penalties off the bronze medal position which is held by Japan on 93.80. Britain continue to hold the gold medal spot on a score of 82.5, with the home team France in silver on 87.2.

Austin O’Connor has moved up to 14th on the individual standings on a score of 31.7, with Sarah Ennis in 29th on 41.2 and Susie Berry in 36th on 48.2. Germany’s Michael Jung has moved into the individual gold medal position with Chipmunk FRH on 17.8. 

Corkman O’Connor was thrilled with his horse Colorado Blue and spoke about the amazing atmosphere at the Olympic venue:

“He [Colordo Blue} was electric, even with his reputation on the cross country it’s a massive mighty relief to have it behind us. He was super the whole the whole way around. He was quick, he was good, he did what he’s good at – clear inside the time for the second time at an Olympics. He’s just phenomenal, and I’m beginning to hope he stays around forever. He’s an incredible horse, whatever he does from here on, he’s been the horse of a lifetime for me and he’s feeling as good as ever.”

With over 40,000 lining the track, O’Connor felt uplifted by the crowd, and joked that he didn’t want to let them down by making any mistakes: “I’ve never never ridden in an atmosphere like this, it’s incredible, unbelievable – from the get-go to the finish. It gives you a bit of a lift when you see them, and then the main thing is not to not to screw up in front of all of the fans. It makes you a little bit more determined, and I’m really glad it all turned out well.” 

The final Show Jumping phase of the Olympic Eventing competition gets underway at 11am Irish time on Monday, following which the team medals will be awarded. The top 25 riders will then go forward to a second round of jumping at 3pm to decide the individual medals.

The Olympic Dressage competition gets underway on Tuesday with Ireland represented by Abigail Lyle. The Irish Show Jumping team of Daniel Coyle, Shane Sweetnam, Cian O’Connor and Darragh Kenny begin their quest for Olympic glory on Thursday.

BREEDING
Action Lady M (ISH)– 2014 mare by Plot Blue (KWPN) out of Action G. (HOLST) by Acorado (HOLST). Bred and owned by Susanne Macken (Meath). Rider: Sarah Ennis (IRL)