Irish Show Jumping horses and riders had a stunning day at the World Championships for Young Horses at Lanaken in Belgium, by winning Gold, Silver and Bronze in the 5-year-old final.
Sligo’s Richard Howley and The Irish Sport Horse Uppercourt Cappucino are the new 5-year-old World Champions, taking the Gold medal after a 24 horse jump-off.
They posted what proved a winning double clear round in 35.17 seconds, in a competition which attracted 237 horses from all over the world. The victorious horse was bred by Paul O’Byrne and is owned by HK Horses.
The silver medal went to Tipperary’s Darragh Ryan with CSF Sir George (ISH) after they finished just 0.17 behind the winners. CSF Sir George was bred by Shane Connoly and is owned by Molly Tracy.
The Bronze medal also went to and Irish rider and Irish Sport Horse, with Kildare’s Mikey Pender finishing third with HHS Vancouver (ISH), who is owned and bred by Marion Hughes.
They also jumped double clear in 35.75.
Newly-crowned World Champion Richard Howley said:"I bought him (Uppercourt Cappucino) after a show in Millstreet. The horse was owned at that time by Ger O’Neill (Castlefield Sport Horses) and Jason Higgins.
Jason had produced the horse as a 4-year-old and I bought him at the back end of this year. He (Uppercourt Cappucino) has only done a handful of shows in his life and the horse is so mature in his mind he is just like riding an 8-year-old.
It’s a good day for the Irish and a good day to be Irish. I think the world of this horse, he has done enough now for this year. It’s amazing, I came here two years ago to watch and this is my first time riding here and it’s an absolute thrill to ride here in front of this wonderful crowd."
