Ireland take European Championship bronze in Germany
Ireland's pony riders took a bronze medal in the European Team Championships at Freudenberg in Germany today finishing on a total of 22 penalties.
Though in potential silver medal position at the halfway mark, a disappointing second round by the Irish squad allowed the Netherlands to overtake, finishing second on 19 faults.
Chef d'Equipe Tom Slattery said afterwards: "All four of our riders were unlucky in the second round. We might have taken silver otherwise. However, it was a big, technical course, and they really
out their hearts into it. They rode very well, and I have to say luck played a big part."
The Irish team was Richard Howley, Shane Connell, Emily Turkington and Jessica Burke, but Burke was the only rider to claim a clear round today.
Ireland's pony team last took a European medal in Italy in 2005, when they also won Bronze.
SHOW JUMPING RESULTS: FEI EUROPEAN PONY CHAMPIONSHIPS FREUDENBERG
GERMANY 18-22 JULY 2007
Jumping Team Championship
Table A Not Against the Clock (FEI Art 3112.7.5, 3112.8, 3112.9) 1m40 Friday 20th July 2007
1) GREAT BRITAIN 8 penalties
2) NETHERLANDS 19 penalties
3) IRELAND 22 penalties
Our Foreman; Richard Howley 2/5
Murphy's Flight; Shane Connell 4/8
Future Interest; Emily Turkington 5/5
Silogue Darkie; Jessica Burke 0/6
4) BELGIUM 26 penalties
5) SWEDEN 40 penalties
6) DENMARK 42 penalties
7) GERMANY 46 penalties
8) FRANCE 64 penalties
9) ITALY 38 penalties
10) SWITZERLAND 51 penalties
11) POLAND 91 penalties
11 teams competed
