Irish showjumpers retain Super League status
Ireland's show jumpers gained a good enough finish at the today's Samsung Super League final in Barcelona, Spain, to retain their status in the top-ranking competition for 2005.
A 28 faults finish, including a much needed-clear round from Athens Olympic reserve Capt. Shane Carey, saw the Irish claim joint-fifth with Belgium, relegating Italy for next season.
26-year-old Limerick man Carey rode Killossery, fourth in the Grand Prix at August's Dublin Horse Show, to a first round clear and clipped two fences in the second.
Olympian Marion Hughes, 36, put forward a best score of four faults from her rounds on Heritage Transmission, as did young Marie Burke on her mount Chippison.
Dave Quigley had two rails down in his second and best round on Ashdale Futuro.
France stole clear for victory, despite Germany winning the Sapnish finale on 16 points. Ireland finished the league in seventh overall, on 29.5 points.
Results:
Samsung Super League final, Real Club de Polo, Barcelona, Spain:
(1) Germany 16 faults, (=2) France, Great Britain 20, (4) USA 24, (=5) Italy, Ireland (Marion Hughes, "Heritage Transmission" 4/4, Dave Quigley, "Ashdale Futuro" 16/8, Marie Burke, "Chippison" 8/4, Capt. Shane Carey, "Killossery" 0/8), Belgium 28 faults
Final league standings:
(1) France 56.3 points, (2) Germany 52.3, (3) Great Britain 44.5, (4) USA 32.3, (5) Belgium 32.3, (6) Netherlands 30.5, (7) Ireland 29.5, (8) Italy 14.
