Ireland win FEI European Championships for Young Riders with ruthless performance

The Irish Young Rider Showjumping team with Team Manager James Kernan on the podium in Gorla Minore after their stunning victory

James Kernan’s  team top podium in incredible fashion

Ireland’s Young Riders (Under-21) dominated a field of 16 nations to win the FEI European Show Jumping Championship in Gorla Minore, Italy this afternoon.

The GAIN Equine Nutrition Irish team of Rhys Williams, Niamh McEvoy, Seamus Hughes Kennedy, Max Wachman and Ciaran Nallon were imperious all week and, led by Team Manager James Kernan, stamped their authority in the final round to win the competition for the first time since Millstreet in 2016.

Ireland led going into yesterday’s final round on a score of 2.5, with Britain second on 10.41 and Belgium in third on 11.09, meaning Ireland had a dropped fence to spare over their nearest pursuer.

It wasn’t needed, however, with Tyrone’s McEvoy and Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick (ISH) leading the way with an awesome clear round on what was proving a difficult course in a time of 73.34 seconds. That settled team nerves and gave McEvoy an excellent chance of also securing an individual medal on Sunday.

Overnight individual standings leader Williams was next up with Mullingar International Grand Prix winner Playboy JT Z and the Clare man was desperately unlucky in his round, finishing with just one pole down to finish with four faults in 74.91 seconds.

That would prove to be Ireland’s discard score, however, as Kilkenny’s Hughes Kennedy and ESI Rocky (ISH) secured the victory with an ice-cool performance, leaving every pole standing in a time of 76.10 seconds.

Tipperary’s Wachman and Quintini were the very last combination to enter the arena and even with victory secure for his team, the 2022 Aga Khan winners jumped impeccably, finishing clear in 75.89 seconds to put the final touches on the ruthless victory. In the end, Ireland finished on 2.5 points, with Belgian way back on 15.09 and third-placed Britain on 18.41.

1992 Olympian Kernan, who had preached focus and caution throughout the week at the Italian venue, couldn’t hide his emotion any longer, saying: “I’m absolutely thrilled – it was the only colour medal I wanted this week and I knew this team had the talent to deliver it.

“To win in that fashion is absolutely incredible, with that amount to spare over the Belgians and Great Britain. They’ve all jumped so well all week, they’re a superb bunch and we’re over the moon.

“I must give a huge thanks to all of the supporters and the team here on the ground. The parents, grandparents, grooms, our vet Seamus McSorley, it is a massive undertaking to come out here and win a European Championship, and everyone has been terrific.

“The likes of Greg Broderick, Cian O’Connor, Jason Foley and Ger O’Neill have been here all week with these teams, and they’ve had a huge influence on things – it’s very much a team effort.

“We have a fantastic programme, with excellent sponsors – GAIN Equine Nutrition have been a huge supporter for a long time and I’m sure it’s great for them too.

“This team isn’t finished yet too – we have Niamh and Seamus in the medals heading into Sunday’s individual final with Rhys and Max hot on their heels, plus the Juniors are in first place ahead of their final tomorrow so let’s hope for some more medals.”

Horse Sport Ireland CEO, Denis Duggan, congratulated the team, saying: “What a superb victory for James and the team, my warmest congratulations to them all.

“James has led the team so well and he thoroughly deserves this success. A huge thank you too from all at Horse Sport Ireland to the support staff who have helped contribute to this incredible victory. James’s team, the vets, the riders’ grooms and perhaps most importantly, the parents and grandparents of all our riders.

“These youth teams would not to where they are without the support of their families and I hope they all enjoy the celebrations.”

Earlier in the day, the Irish Children on Horses team finished a creditable eighth-place finish of 23 nations in the FEI Youth European Show Jumping Championships.

The team of Harry Rush with Tabby (ISH), Ruby Lily Gaines with Castle Lux Clover (ISH), Alice Moloney and Cosima, Lily Tunney with Caravago and Cian McMunn with Limited Edition jumped brilliantly all week Championships and just fell short in the final round.

From an individual standpoint, Alice Moloney is one of 16 riders to have jumped clear three times in the competition and bids for an individual European medal, with McMunn in contention on just four faults in 17th position.

BREEDING: 
​ESI Rocky (ISH) 2015 gelding by Stakkato Gold (HANN) out of Clonaslea (BWP) by For Pleasure (HANN) Breeder: Ennisnag Stud owned by Clare Hughes ridden by Seamus Hughes-Kennedy.

Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick (ISH) – 2010 mare by Limmerick (HOLST) out of Go Luckey (ISH) by Lux Z (HANN). Breeder: Dorothea Wilson. Owner: Robin Bingham. Rider: Niamh McEvoy (IRL).

Castle Lux Clover (ISH) – 2014 gelding by Boherdeal Clover (ISH) out of Cloonagh Luxury (ISH) by Lux Z. Breeder: Jennifer Devlin. Owner: APM Ltd. Rider: Ruby Lily Gaines (IRL)

Tabby (ISH)[TIH] – 2005 gelding by Captain Clover (ISH)[TIH] out of Majestic Cruise (ISH)[TIH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder and Owner: Pamela Donaghy, Co. Galway. Rider: Harry Rush (IRL).

The Irish Youth Show Jumping teams are sponsored by GAIN Equine Nutrition and supported by Sport Ireland, Bucas, 
TRM Nutrition, Berney Bros Saddlery and Dubarry of Ireland

The team of Harry Rush with Tabby (ISH), Ruby Lily Gaines with Castle Lux Clover (ISH), Alice Moloney and Cosima, Lily Tunney with Caravago and Cian McMunn with Limited Edition jumped brilliantly all week Championships and just fell short in the final round.

From an individual standpoint, Alice Moloney is one of 16 riders to have jumped clear three times in the competition and bids for an individual European medal, with McMunn in contention on just four faults in 17th position.