History made as Irish Under 16 Show Jumping team crowned World Champions in Belgium

The Irish Under 16 (Pony) Show Jumping team have been crowned World Champions after a stunning performance at the FEI Youth Nations Cup World Finals at Opglabbeek in Belgium today (Sunday).

The Irish Under 16 (Pony) Show Jumping team stand on top of the podium at the FEI Youth Nations Cup finals in Belgium

Irish manager Gary Marshall saw his team of Ella Quigley (Clemens), Charlotte Houston (Toscane Davnir), Katie Power (Ghost Rider ISH) and Seamus Hughes-Kennedy (Rock Dee Jay) finished on a zero score along with the home team from Belgium, to set up a jump-off to decide the winners.
Seamus Hughes-Kennedy went forward to the decider and came out on top against Belgium’s Gilles Nuytens to give Ireland the gold medal with silver going to the hosts. Britain took third place on the podium ahead of France in fourth and Netherlands in fifth.
The Irish team were unbeaten throughout the season, scoring victories in Belgium, Netherlands and Germany on the way to the final.

Irish team manager Gary Marshall said:
“I am delighted with all our riders, they all went really well in today’s final and we have made history winning the first ever Youth Nations Cup final. Only one of our riders here today was on our European Championship team and it shows how lucky I am to have such a big pool of riders to choose from. I want to thank all of the parents involved – it’s a big undertaking to travel to all of these events around Europe and also all our sponsors and our committee members.”

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Ronan Murphy added:
I want to congratulate Gary Marshall, his team and all their parents on yet another fantastic performance. They have been incredibly consistent all season and they cemented their position as the top nation in today’s final.”

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