Ireland pony show jumping manager Tom Slattery hailed the fighting spirit of his team after a spectacular comeback yesterday saw them lift silver at the European Championships in Millstreet, Co Cork.

Susan Fitzpatrick and Rock Dee Jay were on song at the European Pony Championships in Cork yesterday with a smooth start to the defence of her title, as Ireland grabbed a share of the lead in the team contest.

Ireland pony show jumping team manager Tom Slattery is confident his charges will rise to the occasion as the European Championships return to Millstreet next week after 25 years.

A single error in the opening round kept Denis Lynch out of the battle for the €400,000 on offer in Saturday’s Global Champions Tour grand prix final in Abu Dhabi.