(30 Jul 2010)
THE Irish team of Bertram Allen, Tom Foley, Shane Kenny and Emma O'Dwyer this afternoon (Friday) won the Silver Medal at the European Pony Show Jumping Championships at Bishop Burton in England.
Tying with Belgium in second place after two rounds on a total of 12 faults, the Irish team won the jump-off with the fastest three clear rounds, and finished runners-up to Gold Medal winners Germany, with Belgium taking Bronze.
A double clear round from Bertram Allen and 'Acapella Z' and a clear by Tom Foley with 'Dibidoe' brought Ireland into the top three at the close of competition, but with an aggregate of 12 faults they tied with Belgium behind Gold Medallists Germany, who finished on four faults.
But in the jump-off, Ireland recorded the three fastest clears to claim the Silver medal and relegate Belgium to Bronze position.
Ian Fearon, Team Ireland Equestrian's Chef d'Equipe at the European Championships, said: "I am absolutely delighted with my team winning the silver medal, as once again we have brought new combinations to the top of international jumping through our very good training system at home. To make it sweeter we had to do it the hard way by having to jump off, but where we excelled."
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| Ireland's silver medallists |