Ireland’s eventing team are back among the medals after a sensational silver at the FEI Eventing European Championship in Blenheim Palace, UK.
Dag Albert’s team scythed through the field over the course of a massively challenging cross country day on Saturday to lie in second position overnight and, in truth, they never looked like relinquishing their grip on the runner-up spot this afternoon.
Gold went to an outstanding German team, led by individual runner up Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk, on a final score of 124.9, with Ireland on Ireland on 161.9 and France in third on 167.5.
The result means a first team European medal win at senior level since 1995, and Albert was thrilled to have led the team to a piece of history.
“What a result,” he said. “We were quietly confident of coming here and performing well, with a medal of some sort the main aim.
“Obviously before we came here we knew that Germany would be strong and you can always expect Britain to be thereabouts. Eventing is a sport that will always surprise you and sometimes it’s a war of attrition.
“We knew that Mark Phillips would design a really tough cross country and that some people would struggle on it, but we hung on there and got ourselves round it nice and safe, which put us into an excellent position today in the show jumping phase.
“They all jumped so well out there today, and with a bit of pressure on because the French were breathing down our necks and we needed to be careful – I’m delighted.
“I need to thank so many people who have contributed to this medal win. All of our owners, grooms, my coaching team, all the support staff, team vet, Aileen Cartwright in the HSI office and of course the riders. It’s a huge team effort and this one is for everyone.”
In the overall individual standings, four of the Irish placed inside the top 20, with Padraig McCarthy and Pomp N Circumstance leading the way in 12th as Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis (ISH) just behind in 14th.
Sarah Ennis and Dorough Ferro Class Act (ISH) were one place back in 15th and Robbie Kearns, on his senior championship debut, finished 18th on Chance Encounter (ISH).
McCarthy, who delivered a stunning clear round when it was needed most, said: “He did what he always does, he’s an amazing jumper. I think that’s 11 (clear rounds) in a row at four star level.
“A clear round was obviously very important but he gave me such a good feel over the course of the week. He’s been really fresh throughout and I’m just delighted really.”
The result comes hot on the heels of Austin O’Connor’s Burghley second with Colorado Blue and keeps Ireland superb senior eventing form going, having won Nations Cups in 2024 at home and in Boekelo, and hopes will be high ahead of the World Championships in Aachen next year.
Albert added: “We’ll enjoy this result but I think it’s fair to say we are building an excellent eventing programme and obviously now Aachen will be the next major target.
“We have an incredible pool of riders and horses now, it was actually very tough to pick six to come here – so you would have to be very excited for next year.”
The Irish High Performance Eventing Programme is exclusively funded by Sport Ireland
Charles Ancona – Official athlete clothing supplier to Horse Sport Ireland’s Senior Olympic programmes
Bucas – official supplier to Horse Sport Ireland’s High Performance programme
Dubarry of Ireland – official clothing sponsors of Ireland’s Eventing Team