Ireland’s Juniors are European champions after a stunning display at the FEI Jumping European Championships in Riesenbeck this afternoon.
Denis Flannelly’s team of Alice Wachman, Tabitha Kyle, Paddy Reape, Jack Kent and Emily Moloney closed out the competition in style at the German venue, taking the gold medal on a final score of 6.99.
Ireland proved much too strong for Europe’s best after three fantastic days of jumping.
The team were well placed in fifth position of 22 competing nations after Tuesday’s first round. A dominant display yesterday (Wednesday) saw them shoot into a clear lead, and this afternoon was all about consolidation as the chasing pack attempted to apply pressure.
First to jump was Reape and Mr Rocky Blue, bred in Co. Down by George McCullogh, and they were unfortunate at the wall for four faults. Reape kept his composure under pressure, however, and came home with just that blemish which would keep Ireland in the lead regardless.
Next into the arena was Kyle and BP Goodfellas, owned and bred by Ballypatrick, and they did what they have done all week, delivering a flawless round of jumping. It meant that a clear round from Wachman would secure the gold medal for Ireland, with closest pursuers The Netherlands more than a fence behind.
Cool as ice, Wachman and Killarney were foot perfect, delivering the all-important clear to bring home the first gold medal of the week and spark jubilant scenes.
Moloney, Ireland’s anchor, was stress free from a team perspective with gold already in the bag, but she is still very much in contention for individual honours with Temple Alice, bred by Susan McDonald. She put the seal on the victory and kept herself in the silver medal position with yet another clear round.
The Netherlands finished in second place on a score of 12.79, with Belgium finishing third on 20.60.
Flannelly said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the performances of these athletes and their horses this week and delighted that they have won gold. It’s not just them I’m proud of, though. I’m so proud of their coaches, their teams around them both here and at home, and the families who support them in every respect on this journey to help them achieve this today.
Flannelly, when asked about the ‘magic of the Irish’ was keen to stress that there was no magic.
He added: “Each and every rider on the team today who won the gold is a product of correct coaching and hard work. On a daily basis, the athlete and their equine partner must be conditioned physically and mentally to give them the opportunity to succeed in the ring.
“Talent is one thing but consistency in training and preparation, allied with excellent coaching, is what makes medal winners.
“Having a system, being able to walk the course accurately and being able to execute the plan is vital for success.
“Every one of them has jumped their heart out all week and to bring home a gold medal is testament to work put in by these riders, as well as all of the riders who have jumped on Nations Cups this year and helped push us all to the highest level.
“We’ve had a huge amount of athletes compete for Ireland in 2025, from Sentower, to Compiegne, Zuiwolde and our last Nations Cup show in Hagen. Many of the athletes who competed at those shows will hopefully be the backbone of future teams going forward.”
The Irish had gone from the hunters to the hunted after Wednesday’s scintillating performance, but that was the position Flannelly had hoped to be in going into the final class.
He added: “Things had gone mostly according to the plans we set out from early – the guys delivered on Tuesday to put us in position to really make a move yesterday and they showed tremendous character under pressure to get us into first position and give us the opportunity to seal the win this afternoon.
“We knew today would be all about keeping the rest at bay after giving ourselves that lead going into the final round and I’m delighted with how they dealt with it and obviously I’m very happy that we sealed the deal.
“I must thank Liz Brennan for all her hard work in her role as support to me and support to the athletes and their families. I always felt that a selection panel was beneficial to our teams, and I’d like to thank Denis Lynch for his assistance with team selection, and Sally Anne Tobin who chairs the selection committee.
“Thanks also to the team behind the scenes in Horse Sport Ireland who have given me endless support since my appointment too, and our vet here in Riesenbeck, Seamus McSorley from EquiVet. He has ensured that our horses have been feeling their very best here.
“Of course, also a huge thanks to our incredible sponsors. We can’t do this without all of their support and we are very grateful. And to Cian and Ruth O’Connor for facilitating training days in their base at Karlswood in the lead up to this championship.”
Avalon Everett, Horse Sport Ireland Chief Operations Officer, said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Denis, Liz and the athletes, as well as all their families on such a fantastic result. Not only is it an incredible achievement to represent your country at a European Championship, to win gold is phenomenal.
“Denis had a big vision for the programme with an eye on selecting a team who could challenge for medals and they have delivered that in no uncertain terms. A significant thank you to the selection panel chaired by Sally Anne Tobin and Denis Lynch, their expertise has been invaluable. The athletes have been magnificent ambassadors for their country and we are very proud of them.
“I must also thank Sport Ireland, who fund the programme alongside Horse Sport Ireland, as well as our brilliant sponsors; Bucas, Equieire, TRM Ireland, Dubarry and Berney Bros – their support is hugely appreciated.”
BREEDING:
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
Mr Rocky Blue (ISH) – 2016 gelding by Chacoon Blue out of Ardeche Z by Artos Z. Breeder: George McCullogh. Owner Jonathan Reape
The Irish High Performance Show Jumping Programme is exclusively funded by Sport Ireland
Bucas – official supplier to Horse Sport Ireland’s High Performance programme
The Horse Sport Ireland Youth High Performance programmes are kindly sponsored by Equieire, TRM Nutrition, Berney Bros and Dubarry
