Ireland’s all-conquering youth jumping programme has been the envy of Europe in recent years, and hopes are high for a similar 2026 after an outstanding opening Nations Cup weekend in Sentower laid the foundations for another assault on the series, and this summer’s European Championships.
After a wildly successful maiden Nations Cup and European Championships season last year which garnered multiple team and individual medals, Denis Flannelly and his coaching team began their second campaign at the helm over the Easter weekend at the Belgian venue.
With what many would have described as developmental teams in action, Irish riders achieved individual success across the board and, most important for Flanelly, two Nations Cups wins for the Young Rider and Pony teams. They move on to Compiegne in France to compete this weekend.
The Young Rider team of Aidan O’Brien, Harrison Blair, Jenny Dunlop, Ben Walsh and Charlotte Coffey set the tone on the Thursday with an impressive win, totalling 12 faults over two rounds to see off France in second and Belgium in third.
Not to be outdone, Ireland’s Pony team of Jack Dore, Ted Fagan, Robbie Sheehan, Charlie Flynn and Saoirse O’Neill showed nerves of steel to take Nations Cup glory after a jump off with France, following up the Young Rider team’s win the day previous.
Rounding out the week, in the Prijs Philippaerts – We live horses – CSIOP-NC-Y 1M30 – Grand Prix, Fagan and Ballyfore Rosie led home an Irish 1-2-4 with Flynn runner-up with Montana and O’Neill fourth with Exodus Angies Rose.
The programme sees four teams again in action in Compiegne this weekend – Children on Horses, Ponies, Juniors and Young Riders, with confidence high from Sentower and hopes high of some more excellent performances and we wish them the very best.
The Irish teams competing in Compiegne are as follows:
Children on Horses: Colm Widger, Nina Smith, Josh Fitzgerarld, Willow Gavin and Blathnaid Murphy
Individual: Zahara Kirby Casola
Pony: Sam Widger, Saoirse O’Neill, Ella Rush, Robbie Sheehan and Daisy O’Dea
Individuals: Bonnie Loughrey and Zoe Mellett
Juniors: Jack Kent, Senan Reape, Alanna Fagan, Annie Boland and Lauren Adams
Individuals: Ruby Lily Gaines, Isobel Sheehan
Young Riders: Paddy Reape, Aidan O’Brien, Ben Walsh, Alex O’Connor and Jenny Dunlop
Individuals: Billy Sinnott, Tabitha Kyle.