Upbeat Elliot looks to future

Ireland’s eventers realised expectations yesterday when fifth in the Olympics, led by Aoife Clark and Master Crusoe, whose double clear in the show jumping phase elevated her to seventh place in the individual classification.

In a dramatic conclusion that saw the destination of the gold medal decided by the last fence, Germany’s Michael Jung, riding the gelding Sam, became the first man to hold Olympic, World and European titles simultaneously, while also helping his team to gold.

It was a remarkable fightback for Ireland and manager Ginny Elliot felt a future medal is achievable.