Lennon scoops top jumper award

DERMOTT LENNON, who became Ireland’s first ever world show jumping champion in Spain last September, was yesterday awarded The Irish Field award as leading show jumper of 2002.

The 34-year-old from Loughbrickland, Co Down, scooped individual gold in the dramatic change horse final at the world equestrian games in of Jerez a little over three years after making his debut on the international circuit.

The trophy for the leading dressage rider went for the third year in succession to Anna Merveldt Steffens. After a slow start to the 2002 season due to an injury to her top horse Fosbury, the 40 year old German based rider was back to form in time to feature as Ireland’s top scorer in the dressage at the world games and then finished the year in style, winning the Grand Prix Special in Munich and sweeping all before her in the Milan Masters.