Ireland’s Sam Watson and Tony Kennedy impress at Luhmühlen five-star Horse Trials in Germany

Two Irish riders recorded notable results in the Longines CCI5*-L at Luhmühlen Horse Trials in Germany at the weekend, with Sam Watson finishing 12th, just ahead of Tony Kennedy in 13th. CCI5*-L is the highest level of International Eventing, and Luhmühlen attracted a world class field of horses and riders.

Watson, riding the Vahe Bogossian-owned Irish Sport Horse Tullabeg Flamenco was in 13th after Dressage on a score of 32.50 and jumped clear Cross Country adding just 9.6 time penalties. They lowered a single fence in the final Show Jumping phase to finish on a score of 46.10 in 12th position.
Kennedy was riding the Con Kennedy-owned Irish Sport Horse Westeria Lane and was in 22nd after Dressage with a score of 37.10. A clear Cross Country round with just 6 time penalties saw them climb to ninth place. They finished with one fence down in the Show Jumping phase to leave them on a score of 47.90 in 13th place.

Victory in Luhmühlen went to New Zealand’s Tim Price with Ascona M with a final score of 31.40. Tom McEwen (GBR) with Figaro van het Broekxhof (33.5) and Alex Bragg (GBR) with Zagreb (33.7) finished second and third respectively.

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Brian Hennessy