Despite a determined effort, defending champion Susan Fitzpatrick had to settle for the bronze medal yesterday at the European Pony Championships in Millstreet, Co Cork, after a closely-fought battle.

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.

SHOWJUMPINGIRELAND (SJI) chairman Christy Murphy has visited Ennis to inspect the showgrounds following the decision of the organisation’s executive to cancel the national championships, which were scheduled to take place at the Clare venue at the end of August.