An outstanding performance performance from the GAIN Equine Nutrition Irish U-21 show jumping team has seen them claim the team silver medal today at the FEI European Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal.
The Irish young rider team of Kayleigh Soden (Ard Leaderman), Jack Ryan (BBS McGregor (ISH), Sean Monaghan (Dalvaro), Harry Allen (Guinness) and Jason Foley (Clyde VA ), managed by Liam Buckley, finished on a three-round total of 23.56 penalties. Belgium won the team gold on 21.35 while the bronze medal went to Britain on 28.72.
Two Irish riders remain in contention for medals heading into Sunday's individual final. Wexford’s Harry Allen is in fifth, just ahead of Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan in sixth.
Chef d’Equipe for the Irish youth teams at the championships Buckley said: "This was a really great performance.
"The level at these Championships has been so high and it was a real fight for everyone to get a place on the podium.
"All of our riders were outstanding and you couldn’t pick out one over another. We are really thrilled. It was of course a real pity that team manager James Kernan could not travel here due to Covid but he was a huge support all week from back at home and we were in constant contact before and after every round.
"With a bit of luck we may have even more success over the rest of the weekend here at the Championships."
