IRELAND'S Sam Watson and the Irish-bred 'Horseware Bushman' completed an outstanding weekend for Irish eventing when they took the three star class in Hopetoun in Scotland today (Sunday) ahead of 64 international competitors.

Kildare's Camilla Speirs and another Irish-bred gelding, 'Portersize Just a Jiff' finished third.

The event was the final selection viewing for the Irish team for the Euro Championships in Luhmuhlen at the end of August and three other Irish riders - Liz Power, Mark Kyle and Joseph Murphy - also finished in the top ten.

Team Ireland Equestrian's Eventing High Performance Manager Ginny Elliot said that the riders had gone out in a competitive frame of mind and delivered under pressure.

"This a great result for Sam and the other riders and I will name the squad for the European championships on Tuesday. This is a terrific boost at the right time. Our dressage scores are now good enough to put us in contention, with four riders scoring in the 40's, and with strong performances in cross country and show jumping we made it count in the end," she said.
 

Camilla Speirs and Sam Watson