SPEIRS AND PORTERSIZE FINISH SEVENTH AT SAUMUR

IRELAND’S Camilla Speirs with Bridget Speirs’s diminutive Irish Sport Horse Portersize Just a Jif climbed 13 places to finish seventh overall at the prestigious three-star event in Saumur, France today (Sunday).

The combination, who survived a spectacular fall on cross country at the 2012 London Olympics, showed no hesitation yesterday on Saumur’s track, coming home clear within the time to improve to eighth place after starting in 20th following the dressage phase.

Today’s show jumping element proved difficult for the majority of the riders, with only five going clear from 41 starters, and though the Irish combination had one rail down, they nevertheless moved up a place to claim seventh overall.

The French dominated the event, securing five of the top ten places on their home turf, including the top four placings overall. The outright winner was Maxime Livio and Qalao des Mers.

Camilla Speirs and Portersize Just a Jif (ISH). Picture: Helen Revington

BREEDING:

Portersize Just A Jiff (ISH) – 2000 bay gelding by Crosskeys Rebel (CP) out of Mizen Talent (ISH), by Mizen Melody (TB). Bred by Philip GL White, Co. Derry. Owner: Bridget & Camilla Speirs. Rider: Camilla Speirs (IRL)