**BREAKING NEWS** All three Irish riders qualify for Olympic Show Jumping Final in brilliant display

A stunning performance from Ireland’s Show Jumping horses and riders has seen all three qualify for tomorrow’s individual final at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Darragh Kenny of Ireland riding VDL Cartello during the jumping individual qualifier at the Equestrian Park during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Darragh Kenny was the first Irish rider to enter the arena with VDL Cartello and the Offaly man showed his class to post a perfect clear over a demanding course to take the early lead. His time of 82.01 seconds saw Kenny finish second overall, meaning he will have an excellent draw as one of the last starters in the final.

Bertram Allen of Ireland riding Pacino Amiro (ISH) during the jumping individual qualifier at the Equestrian Park during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Wexford’s Bertram Allen then added another excellent clear with The Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro with a time of 85.18 leaving them in sixth spot at the finish and comfortably into the final.

Cian O’Connor of Ireland riding Kilkenny (ISH) during the jumping individual qualifier at the Equestrian Park during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The third and final Irish combination, Meath’s Cian O’Connor with The Irish Sport Horse Kilkenny followed suit and also crossed the line with a flawless performance, meaning all three of the Irish team, managed by Co Clare’s Michael Blake will line out in the final. O’Connor’s time of 88.66 saw him finish 25th but all that matters for tomorrow’s final is that they have qualified as all combinations will start the final on an equal score.

The top 30 from the 73 starters in today’s competition go forward to tomorrow’s individual final which starts at at 11am Irish time and will be broadcast live on RTETV.

The Show Jumping team qualifier takes place on Friday with the top 10 of 20 teams to qualify for Saturday’s team final.

BREEDING

Darragh Kenny with VDL Cartello (HOLST) – 2007 stallion by Cartani 4 (HOLST) out of B-Estelle (HOLST) by Lord (HOLST). Breeder: Witt Pferdezucht. Owner Lorcan Gallagher & Heathman Farm LLC

Bertram Allen with Pacino Amiro (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Carnone Dancing Queen (ISH) by NC Amiro (AES). Breeder: Simon Scott, Co. Donegal. Owner: Aiden McGrory.

Cian O’Connor with Kilkenny (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Cardento (HOLST) out of MHS Pembrook Lady (ISH) by Guidam (SF) Breeder Sinead Brennan, Co Kilkenny. Owner Susan Magnier.