Millstreet to stage 2016 European junior championships

Millstreet in Co Cork has won the right to stage the 2016 European Show Jumping Championships for Juniors, Young Riders and Children on Horses.

A date has yet to be confirmed for the championships, which were initially awarded this year to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

It is another coup for the Duggan family, owners of the Green Glens complex, which last month staged the European Pony Championships to much acclaim. The event was estimated to have pumped many millions into the local economy.

The family has invested heavily in its north Cork facility and has also declared its intention to bid for the 2022 World Equestrian Games.

In Waragem, Belgium, the Irish eventing team placed third in the nations cup.

The three-star short-format event saw Padraig McCarthy (Simon Porloe) rise from 46th place after dressage to 10th place at the close of play. Fraser Duffy (Primus) finished in 17th, with Jonty Evans (Double Dutch) eight places back.

Germany came out tops in the five-nation contest, followed by Britain.

At the Polo World Championships qualifiers in England, Ireland beat Spain by 8-6 yesterday. Ireland take on France tomorrow for a place at the World Championships in Chile at the end of next March.

At the five-star Los Angeles Masters, Offaly show jumper Darragh Kenny and Chin Quidam VDL finished runners-up in a 1.50mtr jump-off class. In Cavan, Alexander Butler took the top two places in yesterday’s Gain/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League contest, coming out tops on Vimminka, and placing second with Hallowberry Cruise. Sophie Dalm steered Valiant S to third place.