The Irish team have taken the Gold Medal in the final of the Senior European Show Jumping Championships at Arnhem, in the Netherlands today. Pitted against the very best in the world, the Irish team of Jessica Kurten, Peter Charles, Dermott Lennon and Kevin Babington, lying second after yesterday's opening competition, overtook the favourites Germany to snatch the Gold Medal this afternoon in a two-round competition.
The European Championships are second in stature only to the Olympics in the team event, and are held every two years. Last year Ireland captured the Samsung Nations Cup Series for the first time ever, and today added Europe's top prize to their growing collections. Ireland haven't picked up a medal at the Senior European Team Championships since claiming bronze at the 1979 event, which will make today's success all the sweeter for this talented team of riders.
Full results:
1) IRELAND 34.04 penalties (GOLD)
2) SWEDEN 35.19 penalties (SILVER)
3) GERMANY 41.75 penalties (BRONZE)
4) NETHERLANDS 47.81 penalties
5) BELGIUM 48.53 penalties
Filed by Shane Murray
