Irish U18 Show Jumping team win European Championship Gold Medal
The Irish Show Jumping team are the new U18 (Junior) European Gold medal winners, following an outstanding performance today at the FEI European Championships for Young Riders (U21), Juniors (U18) and Children (U14) at Riesenbeck in Germany.
The Irish team of Sligo’s Paddy Reape (Mr Rocky Blue (ISH), Tipperary’s Tabitha Kyle (BP Goodfellas (ISH), Tipperary’s Alice Wachman (Killarney) and Kilkenny’s Emily Moloney (Temple Alice (ISH), along with reserve rider Jack Kent, moved into gold medal position following a flawless display in Germany on Wednesday. Ireland, managed by Denis Flannelly produced another foot-perfect display in Thursday’s medal decider, with three clear rounds keeping them on a score of 6.99 to secure the European team gold medal. The Netherlands claimed Silver on 12.79 while Belgium grabbed the Bronze medal on 20.60.
Irish Horse Board Director General Alison Corbally said:
“This was a fantastic performance from the Irish Junior team to win the European Championship team gold medal. Huge congratulations to all of the team, their parents coaches and all those working behind the scenes. It was also brilliant to see three Irish-bred horses on the gold medal winning Irish team and congratulations to their breeders, George McCullogh (Mr Rocky Blue (ISH), Kevin Babington (BP Goodfellas (ISH) and Susan McDonald (Temple Alice (ISH).”
Kilkenny’s Emily Moloney and the Susan McDonald-bred Temple Alice (ISH) head into Saturday’s Junior individual final in the Silver medal position, less than 2 penalties off the gold medal spot. Tabitha Kyle and the Kevin Babington-bred BP Goodfellas (ISH) are in eighth position, while Alice Wachman and Killarney in 10th. Just over one fence separates the top 10 riders in a very tight leaderboard.
Meanwhile the Irish U21 (Young Rider) team have also moved into Gold medal spot in their competition at the Championships. Managed by Michael Blake, the Irish quartet of Tom Wachman (Obora’s Laura), Coen Williams (Floris R Z), Tim Brennan (Diadema della Caccia) and Niamh McEvoy (BP Rocket Man (ISH), are on a score of 4.61. Belgium are in Silver on 4.61 ahead of Poland in Bronze on 9.65.
The Young Rider European team final takes place on Friday afternoon, with the Irish Young Rider team aiming to add to the team gold medal won by the Irish Juniors on Thursday.
BREEDING:
Mr Rocky Blue (ISH) – 2016 gelding by Chacoon Blue out of Ardeche Z by Artos Z. Breeder: George McCullogh.Owner Jonathan Reape. Rider Paddy Reape.
BP Goodfellas (ISH) – 2017 gelding by Stakkato Gold out of Goodwins Loyalty (ISH) by OBOS Quality 004. Breeder: Kevin Babington and GBBS Int. Ltd, Owner: GBBS Int. Ltd
Temple Alice (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Foxglen Cruise Control out of Innishannon Shamrock (ISH) (TIH) by Rantis Diamond (ISH). Breeder: Susan McDonald Owner: Eddie Moloney and TSI Equestrian
BP Rocket Man (ISH) 2017 Bay gelding By Stakkato Gold (HANN) Out of BP Quidy (ISH) By Quidam Junior I (KWPN) Bred by Austin Broderick.