THE Irish team today (Saturday) moved up from overnight eighth to fifth place after the cross-country phase of the European Eventing Championships at Luhmuhlen in Germany, putting Ireland one place away from Olympic qualification.
Finishing the day on a team total of 196.70, the Irish quartet of Mark Kyle (Coolio), Jayne Doherty (The Only One), Joseph Murphy (Electric Cruise) and Sam Watson (Horseware Bushman) face the show jumping phase on Sunday 23.5 penalty points shy of claiming one of the vital Olympic qualifying places.
Germany and Britain, who have both qualified for London in 2012, lead the overnight tally, and Ireland must finish in third or fourth place to achieve qualification. At the moment France is in third place and Sweden in fourth.
In the individual European championship rankings, Camilla Speirs and 'Portersize Just a Jiff' are in 20th place on 58.60, and Capt. Geoff Curran and 'The Jump Jet' in 21st on 60.0
EUROPEAN EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIPS: NATION STANDINGS AFTER DRESSAGE AND CROSS COUNTRY
1) GERMANY 100.30 penalties
2) GREAT BRITAIN 142.60 penalties
3) FRANCE 151.10 penalties
4) SWEDEN 173.20 penalties
5) IRELAND 196.70 penalties
Mark Kyle; Coolio 60.4
Jayne Doherty; The Only One 95.8
Joseph Murphy; Electric Cruise 60.90
Sam Watson; Horseware Bushman 75.40
6) ITALY 201.20 penalties
7) NETHERLANDS 205.50 penalties
8) SPAIN 291.00 penalties
9) POLAND 299.60 penalties
10) SWITZERLAND 334.20 penalties
11) BELGIUM 1,120.60 penalties
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| Mark Kyle |