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Irish showjumping team confirmed – and strong contenders for World Championships medals

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:09:30 +0000

The Irish showjumping team for the World Championships next month boasts “proven championship and Olympic experience as well as outstanding recent form”.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) high performance jumping manager Jessica Kürten has confirmed the horses and riders who will be travelling to Aachen “aiming to build on a successful season on the international stage”.

Ireland finished a whisker off the team podium at last year’s European Championships, and the 2022 worlds, but won silver in Milan at the 2023 Europeans, and this team includes riders and horses from these recent successes.

The Irish showjumping team World Championships:

Bertram Allen and Qonquest De Rigo were on the European team that finished fourth last year – and second at the LLN final shortly afterwards – and they go to Aachen on good recent form. Their 2026 started with good results at four- and five-star level in the US and has continued in the same vein, including a double jumping clear in the CSI5* La Baule Nations Cup and fifth place in the Rolex grand prix that weekend.

Darragh Kenny said after he and Eddy Blue won the London World Cup leg in 2024 that this may be one of the best horses he’s ridden. He proved why, as they went on to be on the fourth-placed team at the Europeans the next summer, and have since won and been placed at four-and five-star level including a CSI5* US grand prix in March.

Team stalwart Cian O’Connor is selected with relatively new ride Chatolinue PS; he took the reins last October, but they finished on a CSI5* podium in Geneva, and in the London World Cup leg, two months later. They have jumped on five-star Nations Cups this year, including a double clear in the US, and finished fourth in the La Baule grand prix.

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz were on the Irish team that won European silver in 2023, and they are selected for Aachen straight after Shane’s first five-star win, in the Falsterbo grand prix last weekend. They had been knocking at the door for months though, securing second and third places at this level, jumped LLN double clear and finishing seventh in the Aachen grand prix.

Travelling reserves

The travelling reserves are Denis Lynch and British-bred Vistogrand, who were also on the European team last year, having represented Ireland as individuals in 2023. The powerful stallion’s early promise has developed into a top talent showing consistent form at the top level. Recent results include top-10 finishes at CSI5* level in Rome.

Daniel Coyle with Gisbourne VDL and Jordan Coyle with Chaccolino are the non-travelling reserves.

“The selected squad heads to Aachen on the back of an outstanding run of performances at the highest level of international jumping,” an HSI spokesperson said. “The reserve combinations further underline the current depth in Irish jumping.”

Jessica said this is a strong Irish showjumping team that will be leading contenders at the World Championships.

“I’m excited to go to Aachen with outstanding riders and fantastic horses,” she said. “My thanks go to their owners and their grooms, who have put so much work into this journey to the championships.”

The Irish showjumping team for the World Championships:

Bertram Allen with 10-year-old gelding Qonquest De Rigo

Owner: Aloha Stables

Breeder: U Goossens

Breeding: by Fantomas De Muze, out of a mare by VDL Indoctro

Groom: Lovisa Munter

Darragh Kenny with 14-year-old gelding Eddy Blue

Owner: Carol Sollak

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: by Eldorado VD Zeshoek TN, out of a mare by Chacco-Blue

Groom: Shauna Murray

Cian O’Connor with 13-year-old gelding Chatolinue PS

Owner: Karlswood Partners

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: by Diablo Blanco, out of a mare by Stakkatol

Groom: Johanna Berg

Shane Sweetnam with 13-year-old James Kann Cruz

Owner: Gizmo Partners

Breeder: Patrick Connolly

Breeding: by Kannan, out of a mare by Cruising

Groom: Maria Israelsson

Travelling reserve

Denis Lynch with 13-year-old stallion Vistogrand

Owners: Tipperary’s Finest Est and rider

Breeder: Carron Nicol

Breeding: by Fantaland, out of a mare by Vistoland

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‘You can’t make a Land Rover into a Ferrari!’: meet the British-bred stallion carrying Ireland’s hopes at the European Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:30:55 +0000

One of the most eye-catching horses in action at this week’s European Showjumping Championships is the mighty stallion Vistogrand, competing under Denis Lynch for Ireland.

In the opening speed leg of the competition at Casas Novas Equestrian Center in A Coruña, Spain, the pair jumped a foot-perfect clear in a time of 78.58sec – some 4sec off the pace of the leaders – to sit in 20th position at the end of day one, with Ireland progressing to Thursday’s second leg in seventh place.

A late call-up for the European Showjumping Championships

Denis and Vistogrand received a last-minute call-up to jump under the Ireland flag in Spain and this marks their second European Championship together.

“He’s been a very good horse for us and since 2023 he’s been part of winning teams,” says Denis. “We did exactly what we thought he was going to do here on day one – he was nice and relaxed. We just wanted to get a nice run on his belt.

“But you can’t make a Land Rover into a Ferrari!” continues Denis. “My fella is a very big horse. He’s a steady horse. So I can only take out of him what he’s going to give, and that’s riding around there between 77 to 79 seconds.

“We’ve a good, strong team – a good bunch of lads,” says Denis of the Irish team; he is joined by Bertram Allen (Qonquest De Rigo), Seamus Hughes Kennedy (ESI Rocky) and Darragh Kenny with Eddy Blue on the Irish team.

Ireland’s fifth rider Daniel Coyle finished day one as the individual leader riding the great mare Legacy but withdrew from the competition before Thursday’s second leg.

“Please God, the team can keep it together,” says Denis. “But what will be will be.”

A blue-blooded British-bred stallion

The 12-year-old AES stallion Vistogrand was bred and produced in Great Britain, finishing runner-up in the Big Star six-year-old final with his breeder Carron Nicol. Vistogrand is a third generation home-bred for Carron, out of her Fantaland mare Vistolano by the stallion Mr Visto. Carron bred Fantaland out of her top mare Fantasia (by Noncorde).

After an exciting early career, Shane Breen took the ride on Vistogrand in 2020, with Denis Lynch buying him three years ago.

“He has a lot of blood and a lot of temperament – he’s a very powerful stallion,” says Denis.

Denis Lynch and Vistogrand continue their progress for Team Ireland at the European Showjumping Championships on Thursday 17 July.

To stay up to date with all the news from the European Showjumping Championships as it happens, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website today from just £1 a week. Our reporter Eleanor Jones will be on site throughout

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‘It was a risk to bring her’: mare turns form around to soar to the top on opening day of European Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:31:14 +0000

A risk paid off for Daniel Coyle as he sits in the top spot with Legacy at the end of the opening day of the Longines FEI European Showjumping Championships.

Daniel and the superstar mare, whom he owns with Ariel Grange, were the fourth Irish combination to jump and the pair soared into the lead.

Daniel and 15-year-old Legacy are competing for Ireland as individuals, but owing to recent form Daniel said it had been “a risk” to take the experienced mare to Spain.

“I said to Michael Blake I think she will be good here, but it was a risk to bring her, even as an individual because her form hasn’t been great. She’s had a fence down here or there,” said Daniel.

“After the Paris Olympics she did nothing, then she was double clear at Barcelona at the Nations Cup Final and was brilliant there. She had a huge break after that, which she deserved. We’re now trying to pick and choose what is the right thing to do with her.”

Daniel said with this in mind, he might not continue throughout the competition.

“Unless we’re in gold medal position all the way, she’s already done all these championships and I want to try and see whatever is still in there for the next thing. If it’s not possible for a medal we will drop out,” he said.

Daniel said jumping as an individual means that “you have to take risks”.

“When it’s for the team, yes, you go as quick as you can, but you’re a little more careful, because you don’t want to waste it for the team as well. So it’s a bit easier for me,” he said.

“It was a good course, it was not overly big and for the first day of the championships, I think it’s right on.”

Ireland’s team performance at the European Showjumping Championships

Denis Lynch got Ireland’s team hopes off to a good start with a clear aboard 12-year-old Vistogrand, whom he owns with Tipperary’s Finest Est. They sit 20th at the end of the opening day.

“The horse has always been a very, very good horse for us, since 2023 he’s been part of a winning team. He did exactly what we thought he was going to do and he was nice and relaxed,” he said.

“We didn’t want to do the inside turnback into the wall today, we just wanted to get a nice run under his belt and I think he came out of there feeling very good.”

Seamus Hughes Kennedy also posted a clear, with his family’s ESI Rocky, on the pair’s senior championship debut, to lie in 18th.

“It’s good to get the first day out of the way,” said Seamus.

“Rocky was very good, sometimes to go quick the first day is a bit different to what I’m used to with him, I’d usually try to keep him altogether but I thought I was able to move him up enough. I think Santiago did a fantastic job with the course and I think Rocky handled it all very well.”

Betram Allen was third to jump for the team with Qonquest de Rigo, and came home with four-faults having knocked the big orange upright at fence 10. They sit in 49th.

Bertram described it as “a bit of a ropey start”, putting the mistake down to Qonquest de Rigo’s inexperience in one-round speed classes.

“It didn’t go as smooth as I’d have liked. I knew I was going to struggle a bit today. But he’s jumping fantastic, and hopefully he can do a good job over the next two days,” said Bertram.

“He’s jumping great but just sometimes struggled a little bit of connection. He’s a green horse, and there’s no hiding place in there with 14 jumps and everything, so you need to be on it everywhere. We were just one tick away from it today.”

Qonquest de Rigo is still a relatively new horse for Bertram, he took on the ride from Tom Verduyn in October 2024.

“I saw him as an eight-year-old last year jumping a national class in Belgium and we bought him. We took our time and then he really stepped up in Florida this year and got a bit of experience jumping some grands prix,” he said.

“He’s been very good since Florida, this is obviously a whole different step again. But we have a great team feeling, everybody is pulling together. The two boys are great, and Daniel has gone into the lead so the vibe is good.”

Darragh Kennedy was last to go for Ireland with Carol Sollak’s 13-year-old gelding Eddy Blue. The pair knocked the same fence of Bertram and Qonquest de Rigo, when they appeared to have a miscommunication on take-off. They lie in 37th at the conclusion of the opening day of the European Showjumping Championships.

The scores will now be converted into penalties ahead of the first round of the team competition tomorrow. The top 10 teams and top 50 individuals will jump on Friday, when the team medals will be decided, and the top 25 will contest the individual final on Sunday.

To stay up to date with all the news from the European Showjumping Championships as it happens, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website today from just £1 a week. Our reporter Eleanor Jones will be on site throughout

Late shake up for Ireland’s European Showjumping Championships team as Cian O’Connor is replaced

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:17:41 +0000

Ireland has made a late change to its showjumping team for this week’s European Showjumping Championships in A Coruña, Spain (16-20 July).

Olympic and European medallist Cian O’Connor had been named on Michael Blake’s five-man Irish squad for these championships, but it was announced on Friday (10 July) that: “Ireland has made a change in personnel for the FEI Jumping European Championship, with Denis Lynch replacing Cian O’Connor.”

Denis has been selected with the 12-year-old stallion Vistogrand.

Michael Blake told H&H that, “Denis was always going to be the one to come in if someone came out”.

The pair’s second European Showjumping Championships

Denis Lynch and Vistogrand jumped as individuals at the 2023 European Championships in Milan, Italy, and have been core to several other Irish team successes, including winning at the Longines League Of Nations in Abu Dhabi, UAE earlier this year.

“I’m excited to be called up for the European Championship and I thank Michael Blake for giving me the opportunity to link up with the squad in A Coruña,” said Denis. “To represent your country at a major championship like this is up there with the highest honour and we will be going there to do everything we can to try to help the team win a gold medal.”

Ireland’s final four for A Coruña

The four combinations now representing Ireland in the team competition at the FEI Jumping European Championships are:

Bertram Allen with Ballywalter Stables’ Conquest De Rigo
Seamus Hughes Kennedy riding Clare Hughes’ ESI Rocky
Darragh Kenny with Carol Sollak’s Eddy Blue,
Denis Lynch and the Tipperary Finest-owned Vistogrand

Ireland’s fifth squad member is as follows:

Daniel Coyle with Ariel Grange’s Legacy

The European Championships begins on Wednesday (16 July) at 2pm BST with an opening field of 87 competitors in action in the first leg.

To stay up to date with all the news from the European Showjumping Championships as it happens, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website today from just £1 a week. Our reporter Eleanor Jones will be on site throughout

‘Astounding – I’m so proud’: Ireland delivers a rare and remarkable result in Longines League of Nations

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 15:28:39 +0000

Going one better than their runner-up spot in last year’s Longines League of Nations (LLN) season opener, Ireland delivered a dominant and flawless performance to win in this year’s curtain-opener in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Across seven rounds of jumping, not a single pole fell for the Irish quartet. Considering the team included a combination jumping at their first show together and a rider who was told nine months ago that he may never walk again, this was a remarkable result.

“I’m so proud of these boys,” said Ireland’s chef d’equipe Michael Blake. “This means everything, we came here last year and we held the lead at half time, but as they say it was a game of two halves and our second half wasn’t as good. We were very resilient today and to win on a zero score – we jumped seven horses today and not one had a pole down – it’s astounding. I’m so proud of my boys.

“We’re punching above our weight and we’re very proud to do so.”

Three teams on zero score at half-time in the Longines League of Nations

Santiago Varela built a delicate course, which included similar elements to last year’s challenge including a water jump to an airy double of verticals and a meaty combination with an oxer out to the lightest vertical with a plank on top to finish. Three nations came through to round two on a zero score – Ireland, France and host nations UAE – with Great Britain securing their ticket to round two as one of four teams tied on eight faults.

The Netherlands, USA and the three-rider squad of Sweden missed out on qualifying from the top eight teams from the 11 starters.

Despite the pressure that the three-riders-to-a-team second round puts on their shoulders, with all scores counting, Ireland’s team representatives continued to deliver double clear after double clear with Denis Lynch (Vistogrand) and Trevor Breen (Highland President) paving the way. With France and UAE dropping off the top of the leader board in round two, victory hinged on Ireland’s anchor rider Mikey Pender to deliver with HHS Los Angeles. Shrugging off the weight of responsibility, the ice cool 25-year-old produced the hat-trick of double clears and a tremendous victory was secured.

“It’s been a long road back but with the help of my wife Caroline, kids and family and all my staff, owners, I’ve managed to get back here,” said Trevor Breen, who fractured his lower neck and back in a fall in Hamburg last year riding his home-bred Highland President. “I set my goal quite a few months ago for this Nations Cup, but I had to convince Michael I was ready!

“I didn’t even speak to him for a long time because I needed to get results first. So I’m unbelievably chuffed that Michael would put his trust in me and I’m over moon to be back at this level and to deliver.”

Ireland take to the podium after winning the Longines League of Nations in Abu Dhabi. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

New partnership deliver on show debut

Jason Foley came home with just two time-penalties in round one and although he wasn’t one of the three riders Michael Blake chose for round two, this was a superb performance from a rider competing on a horse he only started riding a few weeks ago and who he only jumped in the ring for the first time on Thursday – Chedington Hazy Toulana, formerly ridden by Chris Burton.

“To win here topped it all off,” said the 23-year-old.

Winning team competitions without a single jumping fault is not unprecedented but it’s a rare occurrence “because it’s so hard to do”, explained Michael Blake, who credited team veteran Denis Lynch for taking the riders “under his wing”. Mikey Pender agreed, paying tribute to a great team atmosphere for Ireland’s Longines League of Nations victory.

“Everyone was rooting for each other,” said Mikey, who was part of the runner-up team last year. “It feels sweet today.”

The host side UAE, led by chef d’equipe William Funnell assisted by Duncan Inglis, held on for the runner-up spot on eight faults, helped by a double clear from Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi with Chacolu, with France finishing third on 12 penalties, with two double clears on the score card.

Great Britain finished in sixth position with a team total of 20. Donald Whitaker’s exceptional double clear with Millfield Colette played a pivotal role. Rising star Robert Murphy jumped round for four and eight faults riding Jos Lansink’s Kannem JA Z, while Tim Gredley and Imperial HBF picked up four faults in each round. Joe Stockdale and Ebanking just succumbed to the middle part of the triple combination round one and sat out round two.

The Longines League of Nations journey continues next to Ocala, Florida, with the Final in Barcelona in October. You can read the full report from Abu Dhabi’s opening leg of this team series in this week’s Horse & Hound, in the shops Thursday 20 February.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

A pioneering women-only jumping team triumphs, an F1 star inspires and heavy rain cancels one of year’s biggest contests

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:25:35 +0000

In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, there was huge disappointment when prolonged torrential rain brought the St Gallen leg of the Longines League of Nations to a halt. In Saint Tropez, however, the sun was shining brightly for a special celebrity guest from the world of Formula One and a pioneering female-only showjumping team reigns victorious.

Read on for this week’s round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Max meets Max: F1 hero enjoys front row seats for a spot of showjumping

Austrian showjumper Max Kühner had a congratulatory handshake from Formula One hero Max Verstappen, who was watching the Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez.

A meeting of the Maxes: showjumping hero Max Kuhner is congratulated by Formula One champion Max Verstappen in Saint Tropez. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Max Kühner and EIC Up Too Jacco Blue triumphed ahead of France’s Simon Delestre on Cayman Jolly Jumper, with championship leader Eduardo Alvarez Aznar third on 19-year-old Rokfeller De Pleville Bois Margot.

“What a day! It’s great to stand on top of a Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix podium again, particularly here in Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez, with Max Verstappen watching us,” said the winning rider.

LGCT Saint Tropez grand prix results

Max Kuhner and EIC Up Too Jacco Blue claim victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour of Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Showjumping news: “challenging circumstances” cause havoc in St Gallen

St Gallen’s Longines League of Nations, due to take place on Friday 31 May, was cancelled owing to prolonged heavy rain. FEI jumping director Todd Hinde said: “Despite extensive planning, the weather conditions made the situation extremely difficult and we very much appreciate the efforts of riders, chefs, grooms, officials and the organiser in trying to find solutions in the challenging circumstances. While this is regrettable, we believe under the circumstances this was the right decision to make.”

The loss of this team competition comes at a crucial point for Paris 2024 Olympic selectors as entries deadlines loom. No points will be allocated for the 2024 series from the St Gallen leg and the league will continue instead in Rotterdam on 21 June, after which the standings for Barcelona will be calculated.

Tim Gredley, who had been picked to represent Great Britain in Friday’s League of Nations competition said, “The League of Nations shows are the pick of the circuit, so to get to that stage and not jump was disappointing, but a lot of people are in the same boat. Imperial HBF is in great form and I was so looking forward to that Nations Cup with him. I gave him a jump the day before and he never felt better.”

Denis Lynch wins at St Gallen riding Vistogrand. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Martin Fuchs and Commissar Pezi won Sunday’s 1.60m Defender grand prix in St Gallen with the sole clear round, and Britain’s sole representative Robert Whitaker and Vermento finished ninth with five faults. Of the few supporting classes to go ahead at the five-star show, two went to Irish riders – Denis Lynch and Vistogrand topped the 1.50m MS Direct Group Prize and Mark McAuley (Fury Nocturne) won the Thommen Recycling Prize.

St Gallen results

Darragh Kenny and Serendepety win at Devon Horse Show. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Showjumping news: speed Derby success for Debney

Great Britain’s Grace Debney won Devon Horse Show’s speed Derby in USA riding Zarina De Vidau while Darragh Kenny and Serendepety flew to victory in the welcome stakes.

Devon Horse Show results

Girl power: the first women-only jumping team triumphs

Finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, we return to Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez, where the first women-only jumping team Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames triumphed in the latest leg of the GCL. This pioneering project founded by Deborah Mayer of the Iron Dames secured their second win of the year. They were represented by Katrin Eckermann and Kim Emmen; the former describing winning as “an amazing feeling”.

“We won the first stage in Doha and have been very unlucky since,” said Katrin. “In Doha we had different women in our team so it shows how strong we are. We are just women in the sport following our dreams and right now I don’t want to ever stop it.”

Malin Baryard-Johnsson, part of the third-placed GCL team added, “To have four women out of six athletes on the podium shows the girl power within the sport.”

“We love that,” added her team-mate Jessica Springsteen.

GCL results

And let’s hear it for the boys, too!

Great Britain’s Olli Fletcher and Hello William landed the CSI3* 1.50m class in Le Touquet, France, from a field of 77.

“He has so much personality, he’s king of the stable and always will be – he’s my baby and gets treated better than any human,” said Olli of Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s 12-year-old. “Even talking about him puts a smile on my face. He has such a big heart and I can’t thank the Harrises and the Kirkhams enough for giving me the opportunity to ride my ‘horse of a lifetime’.”

Not to be outdone, Scotsman Sandy McLean continued his 19-strong winning streak from Sentower Park with a run of eight successes in Lier.

A medal haul for Great Britain in Zuidwolde

In the Youth Nations Cup, there were medals galore for young British riders. The junior squad secured silver, represented by Maisy Williams (Dalton D’Hoyo), Noora von Bulow (Interstar B), Charlie Atkinson on Ballingowan Leia and Olivia Sponer on Equine America Bingo Du Chateau.

“The pressure was on, but they delivered,” said team manager Clare Whitaker.

The young rider quartet of Rachel Proudley (Petitfour VD Wareslage), Jake Myers (J Superstar), Lauren Caroline (Elmira Mail) and Ava Vernon on Volnay De Choc Z took bronze, while Lauren Caroline (Gait L), Olivia Sponer and pony rider Emily Gulliver (Fleur De Nuit 8) all finished on the individual podium during the concluding grands prix.

“Gait L is very naturally quick, has a very big heart and always tries to jump clear,” said Lauren. “I know him well now as we bought him from Shane Breen two and half years ago; he said he was the horse for Junior classes and he was right, it was a very good buy.”

Grand prix jumping stallion sells for €2.3 million at auction to join young rider

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 07 May 2024 16:30:42 +0000

The top lot at this week’s Aloga showjumping horse auction in Belgium was 10-year-old grand prix stallion Dark Chocolate, who was sold for €2.3million (£1,975,000) for a student of Cian O’Connor.

Dark Chocolate (Casall x Acodetto I) has been ridden and produced by Ireland’s Denis Lynch for the past few years, being crowned the leading eight-year-old in the seven- and eight-year-old final at Dublin Horse Show in 2022 before going on to record plenty of good placings at five-star level including the London International, Barcelona, Basel and St Gallen.

The stallion was one of 19 quality showjumpers to go under the hammer on Monday 6 May at the latest Aloga Auction, established by Irish showjumping brothers Bertram Allen and Harry Allen, and fellow showjumper Maxi Lill, held at Sentower Park.

€2.3million horse auction purchase: championship ambitions

Cian O’Connor told H&H that the top lot was bought for one of his European-based students.

“The plan is to develop her to the young rider European Championships this year,” said Cian, who recently had two top horses secured for him thanks to investment by a British buyer as the Paris Olympics approach.

Denis paid tribute to a “class horse”, who he’s enjoyed producing over the past three years.

“One of the early highlights of our time together was jumping clear at Olympia grand prix, which is a really good character test,” he told H&H. “He won the eight-year-old finals at Leipzig World Cup Finals, then we took it easy for a bit before stepping him up and in his first big test he was clear in the World Cup in Madrid. He’s been jumping clears again as a 10-year-old – the whole way through, every time you asked him, he always stepped up.

“His new rider is very talented, she gave him a beautiful trial, the horse loved her and they really clicked together, which is fantastic, so hopefully they’ll go on well together.”

Three lots from Monday’s auction made in excess of €1,000,000 with two other beautifully bred stallions completing the trio. The second highest-priced lot of the night was Ballywalter Stables’ exciting six-year-old stallion Nikora TSH (Aganix Du Seigneur x Unaniem), who has been competed by Harry Allen and went under the hammer for €1.9million, and the nine-year-old stallion Kiritan (Kannan GFE x For Ever Jump) who has been jumping to CSI3* with Maxi Lill and sold for €1.7million.

‘My heart was thumping’: an unusual Irish team celebrates, a 14-year-old stallion returns and a coming-of-age performance

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:20:13 +0000

In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, there is plenty to celebrate for a unique team of Irish horses in the Nations Cup at Wellington International’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) – something team manager Michael Blake said he’d never seen “in 100 Nations Cups”.

A young British rider also posts a landmark first five-star victory in Doha, Qatar, and a highly anticipated rising British equine star achieves a watershed coming-of-age performance.

Read on for a round-up of the highlights of this week’s international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: “This team is a little unusual”

Ireland fielded a mix of Olympic veterans and team debutant horses for the $150,000 CSIO4* Nations Cup during week eight of WEF, which proved to be a winning formula as they topped a cracking contest between the 10 teams.

Pathfinder Darragh Kenny (Eddy Blue), David O’Brien (El Balou OLD), Shane Sweetnam (RR Combella) and Cian O’Connor with Fancy de Kergane topped the leaderboard ahead of Canada and the USA. Great Britain’s squad of Jessica Mendoza (I-Cap CL Z), Tim Gredley (Imperial HBF), Sameh El Dahan (Oscar-A) and Ben Maher (Ginger-Blue) finished in fourth.

“This feels amazing – I’m so lucky that my parents had their flights organised, all my students, my clients and my sponsors are here, we’ve had a great night,” said Irish squad debutant David, who jumped clear in round one, just adding two time-faults in the second leg for owners Chansonette and Leap Year Farms.

David O’Brien of Ireland makes his Irish debut in the Nations Cup at WEF with “fighter” El Balou OLD. (Image credit: Sportfot)

“It was a very strong team, I was thinking to myself how many times have the three of them [Shane, Cian and Darragh] competed for Ireland compared with some other teams. It’s really special for me to be sitting up here with three Olympians. They are so experienced.

“I came in on a horse who was willing to fight for me and who doesn’t want to knock any poles down. The horse has a long history and I got him because he was a difficult child, and he needed a continuing program. To me, he’s my number one, so every day we’re out for a long time and it’s a process to keep him focused. But results-wise, I’m very happy with him. He’s probably been the reason I was able to go out on my own and have a business.

“I’m delighted it paid off and everything came together. It’s a great atmosphere, when you come in the ring everything is pumped up. My heart was pumping, the horse’s heart was pumping. There was a big cheer when we cleared the last fence.”

Darragh Kenny jumped for clear and four on Kerry Anne LLC’s Eddy Blue.

“I love to ride for Ireland. It’s one of my favorite things, second to winning, of course,” he said. “But winning with an Irish team, that’s even better.

“Eddy Blue has never done two rounds like that before, but he seemed to step up to the occasion very well.”

Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue in action for Ireland in the WEF Nations Cup. (Image credit: Sportfot)

Anchorman Cian O’Connor on Coolmore Showjumping’s Fancy De Kergane jumped clear in round one but was able to sit out round two, with team victory already in the bag.

“We saw a bit of everything in the course tonight,” said Cian. “Obviously, it plays a part with one round in the daytime then one at night. Both rounds were light, delicate and the plank was difficult to judge.

“This horse is only nine, so he’s just stepping up to this level. There aren’t many nine-year-olds able to do this, so I’m very happy with him. There’s something very special about the night classes here. So many people were here tonight and it’s one that everyone wants to win.”

Shane Sweetnam and the mare RR Combella jumped for four faults in each round.

“That’s the purpose of giving her a chance in this – you really do learn a lot,” he revealed. “She showed her character and how good a horse she is. I think the rider could have done better, but I was very happy with her, especially at the end to go and give a solid round to make sure that we did win.”

Irish chef d’equipe Michael Blake said: “This team is a little unusual. In 100 and something Nations Cups that I’ve been involved in, I’ve never had a full team where none of the horses ever jumped a Nations Cup before. That shows true depth in that we could put out a team of new horses, very good horses, but still new horses.

“On paper we didn’t look like the favourites, but I knew we’d be hard to beat. Canada looked strong, the US looked very strong, but we had a lot of experience, and we know how to dig deep.

“We love to come here because the atmosphere is amazing. To see a full house, that’s what lifts you, it’s very special.”

WEF Nations Cup results

Olli Fletcher and BP Pocahontas land a memorable win in Doha, Qatar. (Image credit: LGCT)

“A big day in the office” for 20-year-old Olli Fletcher

British rising star Olli Fletcher described winning his first five-star class, at the LGCT of Doha, Qatar, as “a big day in the office” and he couldn’t have been happier with Alison Walton’s 12-year-old BP Pocahontas after winning the opening tw0-phase.

“It was an amazing show – the stadium and the arena are beyond anything I’d ever jumped in, so I’m happy the horses enjoyed it with some good results,” Olli told H&H. “Winning my first five-star is definitely a memory that won’t be forgotten, that’s for sure. It was very special.

“My mum and owners Alison and John Walton had come from South Africa to watch, which was lovely because they’ve been instrumental in my career,” added Olli, who also made his debut for GCL team Monaco Aces on Hello William. “Both the horse and I learnt a lot and we’re looking forward to the season ahead.”

Another five-star winner at the show was Ireland’s Denis Lynch with the mighty stallion Vistogrand.

LGCT Doha results

Holly Smith and Fruselli win the grand prix on the Andalucia Sunshine Tour. (Image credit: Mackenzie Clark/Andalucia Sunshine Tour)

Holly Smith’s 14-year-old stallion makes sensational comeback

Making a welcome return to the showjumping news headlines this week was Holly Smith’s 14-year-old stallion Fruselli, who jumped to a victory double after a year on the sidelines.

The flying duo landed the ClipMyHorse.TV grand prix on the CSI2* Andalucia Sunshine Tour in Spain, having topped the Vejer Trophy speed class on Thursday, where she beat Tabitha Kyle on last week’s six-bar winner Desterly. Holly described it as “a bit of an emotional” result after “a long road back from injury” for the stunning chestnut.

Guy Williams was among the other British winners this week on the tour, landing the 1.45m ranking class on 12-year-old stallion Ernie Of Greenhill Z.

Andalucia Sunshine Tour results

Abdel Said lands the LGCT grand prix of Doha, Qatar, with “big, sensible lady” Bonne Amie. (Image credit: LGCT)

Showjumping news: an emotional victory as LGCT season kicks off

The first Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) crown of the new season was earned by Belgium’s Abdel Saïd riding Bonne Amie in the €375,000 grand prix of Doha, Qatar, after a 10-way jump-off. The winning duo edged out Ireland’s LGCT grand prix first-timer Harry Allen on Calculatus by less than a quarter of a second, with Marcus Ehning third on relatively new ride Coolio 42.

“Bonne Amie is incredible, but she’s a big, sensitive lady and I struggled a little in the jump-offs last year,” said Abdel after securing his first LGCT grand prix victory. “I would maybe over-ride her a little, or not ride with enough feeling. But today it felt as though she matured and grew with some small changes and I’m thrilled it all came together. She truly deserves this win.”

Abdel has qualified for the new-look LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in Riyadh this year.

LGCT grand prix of Doha results

Tom Wachman and Cathalina S find winning form at WEF. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Tom Wachman and 15-year-old mare soar to glory

Next in this week’s showjumping news round-up is young Irish rider Tom Wachman, who teamed up with his European team gold and individual silver-winning 15-year-old mare Cathalina S (Salt N Pepa S x Sandro) to win a 1.45m speed class at WEF.

“I think I was the only one in the class to do five strides to the double of verticals,” said the 19-year-old. “Cathalina has a huge stride and that’s one of the big things for her, how she can be very quick in the speed classes. I think that’s where I probably won. She’s super.”

WEF results

Ben Maher and Point Break land the grand prix at CSIO4* WEF. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A winning streak for Ben Maher and a coming-of-age performance

And finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, the reigning Olympic champion Ben Maher celebrated a coming-of-age performance from rising star Point Break in the $200,000 CSIO4* grand prix at WEF, Florida.

The 10-year-old Swedish warmblood Action-Breaker x Balou Du Rouet stallion, owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, produced the only double clear after a five-way jump-off.

“This is probably the biggest grand prix he’s won,” said Ben, who acquired the stallion as a six-year-old. “He’s just an incredible horse. He started at WEF in the seven-year-old jumpers. It wasn’t so long ago he was spooking off every golf cart and we were in the back arenas; I kept switching arenas trying to get the groundwork in. But he was always a very talented horse and he’s progressed very nicely.

“He’s a stallion and he’s had quite a few very nice foals now, but he’s like a pet when you’re not on him. But his athleticism is what separates him from the other horses. The way he can bend his body and move his shoulder allows my job to become much easier. I can ride at the jumps and trust that he can do the job for me.”

Earlier in the week, Ben had triumphed with Jane Clark’s 13-year-old mare Ginger-Blue in the WEF Challenge Cup, who also made her Nations Cup debut with Ben this week.

“It’s always special to win any FEI competition, especially here in Wellington; there’s a lot of good horse and rider combinations any week,” said Ben. “But there’s a lot of people that fly in especially for this week, so to start it like this is a confidence boost.

“There’s strength and depth in my team, both horses and people. It’s a great time to be able to ride right now,” added Ben, whose groom Kirsty Bond won the groom’s award in the grand prix.

WEF results

‘We’ve become too particular – horses love jumping on grass, it’s fine’: rider shuts down critics of footing at showjumping Europeans

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:34:31 +0000

There was much talk on day one of the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September) about the state of the footing. Several horses slipped in the grass arena in the centre of the racecourse, particularly towards the end of the first day’s action.

Ireland’s individual contender at these championships, Denis Lynch, who jumped clear on day one, just added four faults to his score on day two riding the impressive stallion Vistogrand, who is ridden at home by Denis’s teenage daughter. They currently sit top 10 in the individual standings at this early stage of the second qualifying competition for individuals and final teams at the European Showjumping Championships with a coefficient total of 6.70.

Denis put today’s fault down to rider error.

“I’m obviously disappointed in my riding there. Like I said yesterday, he’s got an awful lot of blood and temperament and maybe six months ago I had to ride for back rails a bit more, whereas now I can really sit quiet,” said Denis. “But he gave a fantastic jump over the wall and then he does get aggressive and really silly like that sometimes, he is only 10.

“That’s where my experience has to come in to just try and switch him off again. But I was trying to do the front rail and the back rail and everything else – there was slightly too much determination on my part! But I think he finished up very well – he relaxed. That last line would have been a difficult line for him even four months ago, so he did that well. I’m very proud of him again.”

Describing today’s much more technical track set by Uliano Vezzani, which weaves round the arena with dog legs and strings of related distances for riders to navigate, Denis said: “It’s a very fair track, a good track.

“I’m sure we’re going to expect more this week. He’s done it in a way that for a short-striding horse or a big-striding horse, it’ll fit in. It’s the accuracy of the rider that’s being questioned and obviously there’s the pressure of the teams.”

European Showjumping Championships: “20 years ago, this was great ground”

Denis continued: “It’s a decent 1.60m and the ground in there is good, it’s fine. But again, like yesterday, I’m lucky that I’m early to go. We have become incredibly particular over the ground over the past decade because we ride a lot more on sand now, whereas I find this ground to be fine.

“You know, 20 years ago, this was great ground and horses love jumping on grass. It is a little soft for sure, so maybe it doesn’t suit every horse but it suits a lot of horses and that’s what we knew before we got here. So you have to put up with that. I think it’s fine – they’ve done the best they can.”

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

‘A great finish’: Ireland’s medal chances fortified on day one of European Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:35:30 +0000

Team Ireland have made an assertive start to the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September), completing day one in fourth position behind early leaders Sweden.

Ireland’s pathfinder Michael Duffy with Cinca 3 described Uliano Vezzani’s track, over footing that some riders weren’t happy with, as “jumping tough”. But this super partnership set the bar with a clear in 76.34sec.

“It’s a funny old course. The ground is very mediocre,” said Michael. “So it’s catching a good few faults and it probably rides bigger than it is. But it’s a championship, so that’s to be expected.

“I was maybe half a second slower than I wanted to be, but it’s jumping tough. I thought I’d be further down the leaderboard than I am when I jumped, so I’m happy enough,” said Michael, who finished the day in 19th place individually.

“My mare always gets better for jumping more. I was first in, so I was going to try to be a bit quicker than most but not do anything scary. We only bought her in January, but she’s 14 and she’s been to the Olympics, so she’s no stranger to these courses and these championships.”

Michael Duffy and Cinca 3 in action for Ireland at the European Championships in Milan, Italy. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

European Showjumping Championships: “Hopefully we can contribute to a team medal this week”

Trevor Breen and his home-bred Highland President followed with a lovely clear, but in a slower time, which would end up as the team’s drop score, before a quick four-fault round converted into a competitive 77.72sec and a 25th place individually for Shane Sweetnam riding the exciting James Kann Cruz.

“There’s still a long way to go and my horse was in very good shape, so fingers crossed for tomorrow,” said US-based Shane of the Irish-bred son of Kannan x Cruising. “He’s a great horse – he’s still learning, obviously, and this is his first championship. So hopefully we learn a lot about each other. But he always comes out jumping, trying his best. He loves his job.

“Hopefully, we can contribute to the team and maybe get a team medal this week and then see where we’re at. He’s very talented. He’s got a big presence about him, he’s big and grey and a lively fellow. So he really does stand out. When he’s working with you, he’s a nice ride, but he’s all energy!”

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz competing for Ireland at the European Championships in Milan, Italy. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Team Ireland, led by chef d’equipe Michael Blake, concluded the first qualifier for team and individual athletes at the European Showjumping Championships with a smashing clear from a relatively new combination, Eoin McMahon riding Ludger Beerbaum’s great mare Mila. They are one of three combinations in action at the European Showjumping Championships from the world-famous Ludger Beerbaum stables.

“There was no plan B or C, everything was plan A,” reflected 27-year-old Eoin, who is eighth in the individual standings. “We’re getting there – we had a couple of a couple of teething problems, just while we were getting to know each other… she’s a mare, she has a lot of blood! But she’s brilliant, I’m delighted and that’s a great way to finish the day.”

Sweden are currently in the gold medal position, just a fraction ahead of Switzerland with Germany currently in third. Great Britain finished day one in 1oth position.

Ireland’s individual contender Denis Lynch and Vistogrand are also helping to fly the Irish flag in 23rd position.

Stallion ridden at home by teenager claims high placing at showjumping Europeans

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:35:54 +0000

Ireland’s individual rider, Denis Lynch and the phenomenal stallion Vistogrand have rocketed into a strong position on day one of the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

This superb combination powered round Uliano Vezzani’s track clear in 77.38sec to go into the top 10 before the halfway point in the first qualifying competition for teams and individual athletes at these championships. Denis and Vistogrand finished the day in 23rd individually and it was a great day for the Irish, who went through to day two in fourth place.

“I’ve been in this situation plenty of times and I’m well used to it,” said Denis, who is based in Germany and was part of the gold medal-winning Ireland team from the 2017 European Championships. “Uliano is a very, very experienced course designer and has a very good feel for everything.”

Denis took the reins on the Fantaland x Mr Visto stallion from Shane Breen last year, but he was originally bred and produced in Great Britain by Carron Nicol.

“I’m obviously very lucky to have him. I think he’s a fantastic stallion and we’re very excited about him,” said Denis. “He let me ride him well and I was very happy.

“We knew about him last year. We were very interested in buying him because we have quite a lot of stallions. His pedigree is very interesting, because they’re not lines that have been used a lot. We felt he was a good English stallion with different bloodlines. His confirmation is a real sire type, too.

“So we got him in December and we’ve just been trying to get together and build a relationship. I was very lucky to be on the winning Nations Cup team in Rome with him and he was nominated for here on the long list. So I was very delighted to be on that list, then eventually he made his way here.”

European Showjumping Championships: “I respected the chef d’equipe’s decision”

Vistogrand, who is looked after by groom Laurie Leroy, is ridden at home by Denis’s 19-year-old daughter.

“He likes her a lot,” said Denis. “He has a lot of blood and a lot of temperament – he’s a very, very powerful stallion. With him, we don’t want to switch him on too much, just keep him as relaxed as possible. He has a great temperament, he has a very kind mentality.”

On being picked to jump as an individual, rather than on the Ireland team for the European Showjumping Championships, Denis said: “[Our chef d’equipe] Michael Blake found the decision very difficult for yesterday and I completely respected it.

“I was early to go today, so I could give the lads [on the team] some help, to give them tips with my experience. I feel I am a team member. I think the fifth man is equally important as the third or fourth man at any championships and I would emphasise that to the younger riders coming through. So it’s great to be here. Hopefully I can give these younger lads, if they need any help with anything, be it a bottle of water or whatever it may be – I’m there if they need me.”

‘I’m so happy to have him’: Meet the blue-blooded eight-year-old stallion who shone as the rising star of London’s grand prix

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:02:25 +0000

While victors Matt Sampson and Ebolensky were the undisputed stars of the concluding Turkish Airlines London grand prix at the London International Horse Show, another pair who made it through to the four-way jump-off also caught the eye.

Denis Lynch was riding the youngest horse in the field, the eight-year-old Casall stallion Dark Chocolate 48, a horse that has long impressed as the Germany-based Irishman produces him carefully, but who really came of age in the five-star arena in London and looks set for a very bright future, both in the ring and as a breeding stallion.

“We’ve had him a while and have just been quietly developing him,” Denis tells H&H. “I felt in the last couple of weeks he was developing very well and we thought we’d give it a shot on Monday night in London and he really stood up to it, so I was delighted with his run, it was really good, especially with him being just an eight-year-old.

“It was quite a tricky, delicate track as well, so that was very, very good of him.”

Dark Chocolate’s first round clear in Monday’s (19 December) competition was foot perfect and the German-bred stallion just showed his inexperience when picking up eight faults against the clock. The young stallion was fully approved this year and his grand-dam on his maternal side is Wisma, the mother of the great Cassini I, and Denis has high hopes for the family’s rising star.

“Maybe we’ll do some collection from him next year, but not too much because mentally he’s very good and we want to keep him like that and just try to develop him in the ring, to make him the best horse possible,” says Denis. “He obviously has a very good pedigree – he’d be from one of the very best Holstein families. So he could be very good later, I’m just so happy to have him.”

‘You need to buy this horse’

Denis first teamed up with Dark Chocolate as a seven-year-old in 2021, and they made their international debut in young horse classes last September.

“He was jumping small classes nationally and he still belonged to his breeder and co-owner,” reveals Denis. “Vincent Voorn told me about him and said he thought I should follow this horse up a bit and sit on him and we did that. We tried him and we weren’t really that sure, but my wife said ‘I think you need to try to buy this horse’ and we did. So my wife pushed me into it.”

The pair won the young horse finals at the World Cup Final at Leipzig this year then competed in a few two-star shows including in grands prix.

“We then left him for a bit, we kept him working but mentally just let him really relax for a bit,” says Denis.

Their first show back was the five-star World Cup show at Stuttgart where the aptly named Dark Chocolate jumped clear in every class.

“He’d never jumped a 1.50m but we took him in a 1.55m and had a couple of time faults but was really good,” says Denis. “Then just to test him and to see what he was like mentally we put him in the six bar [at Madrid] and he jumped two rounds of that which is a really good sign of character in a horse.

“So I thought, let’s see how he runs here in London and he really took it well, so I was delighted,” said Denis of their fourth place finish in the grand prix.

New stalllion for Denis Lynch: Vistogrand

Denis now runs the very successful Elite Stallions and recently bought the nine-year-old top class stallion Vistogrand from Shane Breen. Carron Nicol bred Vistogrand in Great Britain by her grand prix stallion Fantaland out of her Mr Visto mare Vistolano.

“He looks like a big, classical horse and again has a very interesting pedigree – it’s not a pedigree that’s really about in Europe and I think he looks like he has the makings of a really good sire, which again is the thought behind it,” says Denis.

“They have to be good competition horses, but the goal for Vistogrand is also hopefully to make a good sire. But he’s a super horse, mentally very kind, I’m delighted with him,” he adds, having also finished in the money at the London International with the 10-year-old Cornet Obolensky stallion Cornets Iberio.

“A lot of horses like him missed their nine-year-old year because of the pandemic so they didn’t get that many outings, so he was very good and he is a very interesting stallion. We’re trying to build the next generation.”

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‘To actually win here is unbelievable’: home rider celebrates epic victory in London grand prix

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:56:38 +0000

Lighting up the London Horse Show with the biggest smile of the week was British showjumper Matt Sampson, who clinched an epic victory in the Turkish Airlines London grand prix as the curtain came down on this year’s show on Monday night (18 December).

Riding the Evison family’s 13-year-old mare Ebolensky, Matt scored with the sole double clear of the class to lift an impressive array of silverware and the £27,300 top prize.

“It’s absolutely incredible, I can’t believe it, it’s just a dream come true,” said an emotional Matt, who is now based between Europe and Canada. “This is so special for me and the owners, the Evison family. They’ve owned “Lenny”, as we call her, from a foal and I’ve ridden her since she was seven. To win this class on her is absolutely amazing.”

Matt’s victory represented a fantastic big class double for British riders on home soil after Scott Brash’s success in the previous day’s Longines FEI World Cup qualifier.

In an intriguing class, there were plenty of shock exits in round one from some of the leading names in the sport and just four clears were produced from a field of 30. An initially tight time allowed was extended slightly but course-designer Bernardo Costa Cabral set an imposing set of questions with faults coming throughout, although a lofty vertical off a blind bend from a double right in front of the in-gate caused heartbreak for many.

Jump-off pathfinder was Matt with the talented Ebolensky (Clinton x Heartbreaker), a former Horse of the Year Show Foxhunter winner who is in the form of her life, having racked up an impressive tally of wins this year. The pair looked composed as they circled before the start, but as soon as they broke the beam, Matt was forward in the saddle and the determined pair rocketed round the shortened course with daring turns and an ambitious sprint down the final line. There were big thumbs up for the cheering crowd as Matt left the arena, having set the bar sky high with a clear in 31.88sec, but facing an anxious wait as his three rivals prepared to stake their claim.

Next in the ring was Britain-based Swedish rider Angelie von Essen with another super grey, Martin Dawes’ 17-year-old mare Cochella. The pair weren’t quite as quick through the early lines and then tipped the Liverpool vertical three from home to finish with four faults in a time of 34.87sec.

In hot pursuit came Italian rider Lorenzo De Luca, a winner the previous day at the London Horse Show. He’d survived a volley of lucky rubs in round one, dramatically wiping his brow in relief as he finished with a clear round, but his luck ran out at the double of verticals in the jump-off and the second element fell. He and the 12-year-old Curcuma Il Palazzetto slotted into second with their slightly quicker four-fault round of 34.28sec. Lorenzo was full of praise for this valuable addition to his string.

“He’s brave, doesn’t spook at anything and he always tries to give his best in the ring,” said the Italian.

London Horse Show grand prix: Matt Sampson has anxious wait

The spotlight turned to the final rider, Ireland’s Denis Lynch riding the youngest horse in the field, the eight-year-old Dark Chocolate who, like Lorenzo’s ride, is by the great stallion Casall. Unfortunately they picked up eight faults but this smart young stallion competing in his first grand prix is definitely one for the future.

Matt, who had retired in the previous day’s World Cup qualifier with the mare, celebrated his success with several laps of honour, cheered home by an appreciative crowd.

“Competing here is what we dream of growing up – to actually win here is unbelievable,” he said, explaining his plan for the jump-off with the mare. “She has a really big stride and she’s really good at turning so it suited me. We had a little bit of luck at the second last fence but it came off.

“She’s got her own character – her breeding is very much that that way inclined. So she gets quite sort of hyperactive with the atmosphere. So it’s me trying to tame her a little bit and obviously sometimes when it’s only a short distance in between the jumps, she gets a bit excited and then she starts to bounce around a bit, but I know her well enough now that she always tries to jump the fence when she gets there. So I just try to contain it as much as we can, but I think it’s what makes her so good.”

British rider Jodie Hall McAteer, competing in the five star classes at the London International Horse Show for the first time, received a magnum of champagne as the show’s leading rider, having notched up several placings throughout the week, a phenomenal achievement for this 22-year-old rising star.

King Edward rules again and a teenager enjoys an ‘I beat John Whitaker’ moment

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:06:32 +0000

The reigning world champions Henrik von Eckermann and his equine superstar King Edward made a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure this week after the 12-year-old gelding “struggled to return to good form” after a post-World Championships break. Meanwhile a Liechtenstein teenager enjoyed an “incredible” five-star win, beating the legendary John Whitaker no less. Great Britain’s James Smith and Irish showjumper Bertram Allen are also among this week’s grand prix winners while Israeli rider Daniel Bluman ends up risking it all in the heat of a World Cup jump-off, and his gamble produces handsome rewards.

Here is H&H’s weekly round up of the past week’s international action from the world of showjumping, plus showjumping results.

King Edward reigns once again: ‘He’s a genius’

Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann and the brilliantly talented 12-year-old gelding King Edward triumphed in the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier presented by Scuderia 1918 in Verona, Italy, in a seven-strong jump-off. Taking second with the only other double clear was last-drawn Gerfried Puck of Austria riding the relatively inexperienced nine-year-old Equitron Naxcel V. Great Britain’s Harry Charles took third with his Olympic partner Romeo 88, having clocked the fastest time but with the final fence falling for four faults.

“We gave King Edward a bit of a break [after the world championships] and we struggled to get back to the good form we had,” said Henrik, the double gold medallist there and current world number one. “Verona was normally not in my plan but I felt he needed one more show because he did just four classes in three months and I have two big shows coming up. So I thought I’d take him here to get him going a little bit more and today he was fantastic again!

“King is a genius horse – he proves it again and again.”

Gerfried Puck said: “I’m really proud to be second to a horse and rider combination like King Edward and Henrik, and I hope my horse in the next years will be just as famous – he has all the potential for the future.”

Third-placed Harry Charles added: “When you get into the jump-off and come so close it’s a bit gutting but that’s how it goes. I’ve got some points on the board and I’ll try to build on that.”

Talking about leading the under-25 world rankings, 23-year-old Harry added: “That’s not as cool as Henrik being world number one, but maybe one day my turn will come!”

Showjumping results from the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier in Verona

Grand prix victory for James Smith, deputising for injured Laura Renwick

British rider James Smith landed the CSI3* grand prix to conclude week four of the Vilamoura Champions Tour in Portugal. Riding the injured rider Laura Renwick’s home-bred Arkuga, he won the €25,000 top prize after a competitive 15-way jump-off. US showjumper Cathleen Driscoll claimed second on the 12-year-old Arome, while Joe Whitaker took third on Hulahupe JR. James’s success sealed a profitable week for British riders with Izac Ketteridge (Chapon VD Heffinck Z and Z7 Canya Dance), Helen Rees and Henry Squibb (Alothain De Blondel) among the CSI3* winners, while Ireland’s Trevor Breen triumphed in Saturday’s 1.45m jump-off class on Home Farm Equestrian’s ex-eventer Gonzalo.

Showjumping results from the Villamoura Champions Tour

Billy Mexico daughter lands two-star grand prix

Over in Peelbergen, the Netherlands, the CSI2* grand prix was won by Ireland’s Bertram Allen who said he was “delighted” with the 10-year-old Billy Mexico daughter Emmylou. The pair only teamed up at the start of the year and have recently posted some eye-catching five-star results.

Showjumping results from the CSI2* Peelbergen grand prix

Showjumping results: Denis Lynch rides the winning round in Verona

Ireland’s Denis Lynch also claimed a five-star win in Verona, Italy, riding the 16-year-old GC Chopin’s Bushi to victory in the Selleria Equipe winning round.

“In the deciding round I had a good starting spot and the performance of Bushi, who is a particularly experienced horse, was really brilliant,” said Denis, who topped a field of 46 competitors over Uliano Vezzani’s clever tracks.

In second was Harrie Smolders (Uricas VD Kattevennen) with Steve Guerdat third on the nine-year-old stallion Double Jeu D’Honvault.

Showjumping results from Jumping Verona

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Liechtenstein teenager enjoys an ‘I beat John Whitaker’ moment

At the CSI5* Jumping Verona in Italy, 19-year-old Liechtenstein rider Jennifer Hochstadter earned the runner-up spot in Friday’s opening class, then went one better on the final morning to win the Volkswagen accumulator with her 10-year-old Tinka’s Boy gelding CSIO Bel (pictured above). She was almost a second quicker than her nearest rival, who just happened to be British legend John Whitaker on Sharid.

“It’s really incredible,” she said. “John is a legend of the sport. I knew he scored the time to beat and I’m so happy to have succeeded.

“Bel is a very special horse for me, because he gives me everything every time. I managed to win the second competition I rode him in, in September 2020 in Saint Tropez. Before that, he was ridden by Simon Delestre, whose father Marcel is my coach, and Simon is very valuable for my growth.”

Showjumping results from Jumping Verona

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup NAL, Lexington Horse Park, KY (USA)Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Ladriano Z, on final fence in jump off in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2022/2023 North American League - Lexington, KY USA (Image credit: SHANNON BRINKMAN)

‘My plan was not to take a big risk, but I just did!’

Israel’s Daniel Bluman headed the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier in Lexington, USA, having claimed he did not wish to take a big risk to the third fence in the jump-off, a spooky wall, but his competitive spirit took over and handed him victory with long-term partner, the 14-year-old Ladriano Z (pictured above) over his six rivals.

“Jump number three was a very, very difficult fence in the jump-off, because my horse looks at the wall,” he said. “My plan was not to take a big risk, but then I just did!

“You see the people in the crowd – the kids having fun and cheering. Many years ago, we were those kids watching the National Horse Show and cheering for the riders we liked. It’s always cool when people show up and the class turns out to be an exciting one, like it was tonight.”

The win was especially poignant as the horse missed a year of competition due to injury.

“We weren’t really sure what was going to happen with his career,” said Daniel. “Last year, this was the first grand prix [back] that he jumped, and he finished third, and since then he’s had a pretty good run. He doesn’t show that often. He’s been second multiple times and third, but tonight he won. I’m really happy that he gets to put his name [in the history books] at a prestigious horse show.”

Showjumping results from the National Horse Show, Lexington

Home-bred soars to victory in Maastricht

At the CSI4* Maastricht grand prix, Dutchman Maikel van der Vleuten triumphed with his home-bred 10-year-old mare Elwikke, a winner in London earlier this year. Best of the British riders in the grand prix was William Funnell riding Equine America Billy Picador, who just picked up four faults in the jump-off.

Showjumping results from the CSI4* Maastricht

Stardust teams up with a new member of the Charles family

In the 1.50m CSI3* grand prix on the Autumn MET Tour in Spain, the winner was France’s Alexa Ferrer riding Arka de La Hart Z, with Great Britain’s Sienna Charles claiming the runner-up spot with the former top ride of her brother Harry, Stardust. The pair only teamed up a matter of weeks ago and have produced some exceptional performances already.

Showjumping results from the Autumn MET Tour

Ireland’s sole rider in World Showjumping Championships final misses out on second round

Lucy Elder — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 13:31:10 +0000

Ireland’s sole rider to contest the individual final that will decide the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships results today (14 August), Denis Lynch, produced another solid round on his consistent partner Brooklyn Heights.

The powerful chestnut looked fresh on the final day of these championships, showing his incredible adjustability and scope. One pole down means the pair will not progress to the second and final round, but will finish no lower than 20th in the World Showjumping Championships individual results.

The duo clipped the powder blue rail at 10a, to add four faults to their score in an otherwise foot-perfect round over Louis Konickx’s maximum dimensions 1.65m track in the first round of Sunday’s final.

The 13-year-old Nabab De Reve son, owned by Molly Ohrstrom, joined Denis’ string in February, and the pair were a crucial part in helping the Irish team to fourth place and secure Paris 2024 Olympic qualification earlier this week.

A total of 12 combinations go through to the final, second round this afternoon. Competition was fierce in the first round, as expected with world individual medals on the table.

There was little breathing room for anyone to make a mistake – even a clear round could not guarantee a spot in that final 12. A total of 14 of the 21 starters jumped clear, with Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and the eye-catching Leone Jei the only four-faulters from this morning to progress to the second round.

Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward head the provisional standings, with their team gold medal-winning compatriots Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit in provisional silver. Jérôme Guery and Quel Homme De Hus hold provisional bronze for Belgium.

Britain had two of its world bronze team medal-winning competitors on the start list this morning – Olympic champion Ben Maher and Scott Brash. Ben will carry Britain’s hopes of an individual medal in this afternoon’s second round.

‘That’s what we came here to do’: Ireland’s showjumping team secures Paris 2024 Olympic qualification

Becky Murray — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 23:05:23 +0000

Ireland has finished fourth – and secured Paris 2024 qualification – in a dramatic team final at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships.

The Irish entered this evening’s proceedings in ninth place – and came within touching distance of team bronze – but an unfortunate five faults from Cian O’Connor on C Vier 2 and a shock retirement from Daniel Coyle and Legacy – led to them finishing in fourth place in the World Showjumping Championships results.

Cian O’Connor has enjoyed a fantastic week with Susan Magnier’s 14-year-old gelding, with clears in the first and second rounds of the competition – but the pair just ran out of steam in the final combination, knocking the vertical at fence 13b. The pair go into the individual final on Sunday on a score of 9.70, after also picking up one time-penalty.

It was a different story however for Ireland’s final combination, Daniel Coyle and Legacy, who retired mid-round. The pair had started confidently, but knocked the triple bar at fence six and the vertical at fence seven. They briefly regained their composure, but took down the second part of the combination at fence nine and after rattling the next fence, Daniel looked to the scoreboard before sensibly calling it a day – with only the three top scores counting in the team competition. The round will be a blow for Daniel, who produced a clear on the 12-year-old mare in the first day, and added just two time faults to his round on day two.

Denis Lynch started proceedings for Ireland this evening with a clear round and one time-penalty with Brooklyn Heights, and second to go Bertram Allen came out fighting on Pacino Amiro with a lucky clear, despite a few rattles.

The fourth place means Ireland has secured Olympic qualification at the Paris 2024 Games.

“We’re delighted to finish in fourth place,” said Cian. “Obviously we just miss out barely on a bronze medal, but we’re thrilled because the group of horses that we have here are all a little bit new to us in the team at this level; particularly C Vier 2 – I only got him this year – and Denis’s horse is also new.

“Olympic qualification [at the first attempt] is a real monkey off our back because it’s something that’s eluded us [previously]. In all my career we’ve never managed to do it the first time anyway, so I’m not sure when the last time Ireland qualified in its first attempt.”

It was tight at the top with Britain finishing in bronze on 22.66 – only 0.49 less than Ireland – and pathfinder Denis Lynch reflected on the score.

“If I didn’t have the time-fault, or maybe yesterday if we didn’t have the time-fault for example, we were thereabouts for a medal, so that’s a pity,” he said. “But ok, we qualified for the Olympics – that’s what we came here to do and I’m very proud of my horse and my teammates.”

In what was a rollercoaster evening, Sweden claimed team gold, the Netherlands won silver, and Great Britain took bronze in the World Showjumping Championships results.

Three members of the Irish team will next jump in the individual team final on Sunday, which features the top 25 combinations. Denis is currently in 19th, Cian 20th and Bertram 21st.

First Irish rider gets a score on the board, while we find out more about a barefoot clear round ‘machine’ at World Showjumping Championships

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:17:06 +0000

Ireland’s first team rider to go in the second leg of the showjumping competition at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, Denis Lynch, added four faults to his first round score of 4.68 in the World Showjumping Championships results this afternoon (11 August).

Denis was ninth to go, riding Brooklyn Heights, a new ride for him since February and they jumped a good round, but took the front rail of the final part of the treble combination at fence nine.

Brooklyn Heights, who is owned by Molly Ohrstrom, is by Nabab De Reve and is out of a For Pleasure mare.

The next Irish rider to go will be Bertram Allen, who rides Pacino Amiro at these World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark.

Meanwhile, current world number one showjumper Henrik von Eckermann did what he does best with the incredible gelding King Edward by jumping a flawless clear round, which puts him in top spot after the first rotation of riders in the World Showjumping Championships results table.

“This is a great place to ride but maybe the course is a little bit soft today,” Henrik said after his round on the 12-year-old who jumped clear in every single round of the Tokyo Olympics. “I think we’ll see too many clears today – it’s still a long course though [with 14 fences] and they have to jump a lot, plus there are some more weak countries that are still in the competition and so I think the course tomorrow will be more tough when the more established riders are the only ones left in the competition.”

Henrik explained of King Edward’s round today: “He’s so confident and the good thing is I can jump five, six jumps in the warm-up, go in and be really relaxed, do that job and and he comes out hardly blowing – it’s definitely an advantage.”

Henrik has been riding this son of Edward 28 for the past two years since taking over the ride from his partner Janika Sprunger

“King Edward has the whole package – his brain is great, and he is so careful but still so brave and he’s such a sweet horse – a once in a lifetime horse,” explained Henrik, who has been riding this horse barefoot for the past 18 months. “He has fantastic feet – like rocks – and I feel he goes better without his shoes on, so why not?”

World Showjumping Championships day two: when the Brits and Irish will ride

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:02:46 +0000

The start lists have been published for today’s (11 August) team competition at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships — with Britain drawn last to go.

Britain has changed its order with Ben Maher and Faltic HB, who were in 10th place overnight, first to go for the team. Yesterday’s pathfinders Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel are second, followed by Harry Charles and Romeo 88, with Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson, who come into this round in second place, last to go.

Ireland has been drawn 10th, and keeps the same order as today.

After yesterday’s speed class, all combinations carry their penalties with them to this second qualifier for tomorrow’s team final.

The class starts at 1pm local time (12pm UK time) and exact times for riders have not been released but allowing two minutes per rider, with breaks, the approximate times are:

World Showjumping Championships approx times: British riders

Ben Maher and Faltic HB: approx 2.22pm local time, 1.22pm UK time
Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel: approx 3.42pm local time, 2.42pm UK time
Harry Charles and Romeo 88: approx 5.06pm local time, 4.06pm UK time
Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson: approx 6.24pm local time, 5.24pm UK time

Irish riders:

Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights: approx 1.18pm local time, 12.18pm UK time
Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro: approx 2.46pm local time, 1.46 UK time
Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2: approx 4.38pm local time, 3.38pm UK time
Daniel Coyle and Legacy: approx 6.02pm local time, 5.02 UK time

‘He helped me out’: Lynch sets early standard for Ireland at World Showjumping Championships

Martha Terry — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 09:46:18 +0000

Denis Lynch was the first Irish rider into the ring at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, and set the standard with the first clear round of the day.

Denis was third to go, riding Brooklyn Heights, a new ride for him since February. He set out with purpose on the 13-year-old gelding by Nabab De Reve and was rewarded with a tidy clear to stop the clock on 88.43sec. An all-important clear round in the bag, but there will be faster rounds to come.

The pair did have a slight miscommunication at the water fence, which was in the shadow of the stands. The horse popped in an extra stride, but it hardly broke their rhythm and they emerged fault-free.

“He really helped me out at the water when I didn’t get the jump I wanted – he was fantastic,” said Denis. “He fought all the way home – he’s a real fighter, this horse.

“It was a good first-day track. It’s a bit difficult with the light and shadows at this stage in the morning and there are definitely plenty of questions but there will be plenty of clears. But jumping clear is a very good start.”

The pathfinder was Mexico’s Federico Fernandez on the grey stallion Romeo (not to be confused with Harry Charles’s Romeo 88, competing for Britain later on). Federico knocked two down, adding eight seconds to his total.

World Showjumping Championships: first qualifier

Straight after Denis came Australia’s Billy Raymont on Black Jack Ixe, who also jumped clear but in the faster time of 88.34sec.

“We didn’t want to come and make up the numbers,” said Billy, who has been based in Europe since May. “My horse has only done one show in the past eight weeks to prepare for here, and he went the best he’s ever gone in training last week, so I was excited. He felt perfect.

“The course is nice for the first day. There are a couple of fences where you can roll in tight, but you just have to follow the numbers and let it come.”

The eight-stride distance between three and four looks to be influential at this early stage. It’s set on a forward distance, causing the horses to flatten into the double at five.

Today is the first qualifier, which is a speed class set at 1.55m. Each fence adds four seconds to the rider’s total. Scores from this qualifier count in future rounds.

And they’re off! Start list confirmed for World Showjumping Championships

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:44:58 +0000

The start lists have been confirmed for the first round of competition as the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships get under way today (10 August).

The first competition is a speed class, which sets the baseline for the rest of the week’s action, and all eight British and Irish combinations will be in action. The first horse and rider to carry the Union Flag into the Stutteri Ask Stadium will be Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel, who have been drawn 11th to go.

The class starts at 11am local time (10am UK time) and exact times for riders have not been released but allow two minutes per rider, and there are four breaks, one every 20 or 21 combinations.

World Showjumping Championships approx times: British riders

Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel: approx 11.22 local time, 10.22 UK time
Harry Charles and Romeo 88: 36th
Ben Maher and Faltic HB: 65th
Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson: 91st

Irish riders:

Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights: approx 11.06 local time, 10.06 UK time
Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro: 28th
Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2: 56th
Daniel Coyle and Legacy: 84th

Current world and European silver medallist Martin Fuchs is 76th to go on his 2021 European medal-winning ride Leone Jei, and European champions Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria are 60th in. Olympic silver medallists Peder Fredricson and H&M All In are 103rd and last to go, and Tokyo bronze medallists Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z NOP go 33rd.

The scores in this first competition will be determined by the winning rider, on faults and time, being given 0 penalties; the others in descending order will be given a total determined by the difference in faults between them and the winner. Any combination eliminated or who does not finish will be given 20 penalties more than the highest score of all who completed.

A first female winner since 1975 and a legend with only one rein: who won showjumping ribbons this weekend?

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 30 May 2022 19:31:10 +0000

From five-star action at the historic shows of Hamburg and Rome, to two-star sport on home soil, there was plenty to write home about for British and Irish riders competing internationally this weekend – as well as one pioneering Polish rider.

Here is your weekly round-up of international jumping action.

1. First female Derby winner since Caroline Bradley in 1975.

It is hard to fathom that, until Sunday, the last female winner of the historic Hamburg Derby had been Caroline Bradley riding New Yorker in 1975. Fast forward 47 years and, jumping the only clear in a four-way jump-off, Hamburg-based Polish rider Cassandra Orschel seized a dramatic victory with the 11-year-old Dacara E. The delight she showed on her lap of honour (pictured) revealed just how much it meant to win this legendary class.

“Not only is this the biggest success in my career, I’m also one of only five women who ever win the Derby in Hamburg,” she said. “It was a day full of emotions!”

Hamburg Derby results.

2. Two legends team up for victory – one of whom only needs one rein!

In the Global Champions League (GCL) at Hamburg, the legendary pair of John Whitaker and Marcus Ehning teamed up to claim top honours representing Valkenswaard United. However, John had a “scary” moment approaching the final fence in the first round when he dropped his left rein on Equine America Unick Du Francport.

“It all happened so quickly,” said John. “It was a bit scary but I tried not to panic – I think we got away with it!”

With some quick thinking and skilful horsemanship, the pair managed to clear the huge oxer and provide the first of two clears that propelled Valkenswaard United to victory. John and Marcus thrilled the crowds throughout the competition, but particularly with their antics on the podium – Marcus offering his senior counterpart a leg-up on to the stage.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I was just trying to think positive and jump clear,” said John after his less eventful second round. “Marcus had a really unlucky fault but you have to keep fighting and my horse is on form.”

Marcus, who rode his great partner Stargold, added: “The pressure was on because we haven’t done too well over the last stages. But John is used to it so I thought I would put him under some more pressure and he pulled it off again! Picking up maximum points for the championship is so important and this gives us a lot of hope for the next shows.”

Global Champions League of Hamburg results.

3. Double clear for Equine America Spacecake in first Nations Cup

Ellen Whitaker said she “couldn’t be prouder of our amazing horse and my team” after she rode Tilly Shaw’s 10-year-old mare Equine America Spacecake to a double clear in their first Nations Cup together in Rome. The team finished sixth to winners France but it was a particularly exciting debut for this pair.

“Hard work as it is – sometimes you just have to enjoy every moment,” said Ellen, who was joined by her brother Donald Whitaker (Di Caprio), Joe Stockdale (Equine America Cacharel) and James Wilson (Imagine De Muze) in representing Great Britain in the five-star competition.

Rome Nations Cup results.

4. Ireland win Lisbon Nations Cup

The Irish squad of Richard Howley (Consulent De Prelet Z), Jessica Burke (Namamia), Kevin Gallagher (Ballypatrick Flamenco) and Jenny Rankin (Carmela Z) combined for a tremendous victory in the Longines EEF Nations Cup of Lisbon. Great Britain’s young team finished eighth and following the theme of British siblings on teams (see above), Olli and William Fletcher were part of the team, alongside Karl Robins and Sienna Charles.

Lisbon Nations Cup results.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

5. “When I got him, it was disastrous”: Lynch lands a historic second victory in Rome

Denis Lynch and new ride Brooklyn Heights (pictured above) triumphed in the CSIO5* Rolex grand prix in Rome, Denis becoming the first Irishman to win the historic class twice, having first claimed the title in 2008 on Lantinus. The 13-year-old Brooklyn Heights (Nabab De Reve x For Pleasure) has had a string of different riders in his career and Denis has only been riding him for four months but it was a case of trial and error finding the key to riding him.

“When I got him in the beginning I tried to go quick and it was disastrous, but in the last few weeks the horse has really grown with me, and given me and him incredible confidence,” said Denis. “He is quite strong. He’s a bit special, I’ve never had a horse like this before with his mentality. He’s not typical, he likes to be hacked out, you don’t work him at home and when we tried him and bought him we thought he’d be a good 1.50m horse. When he jumps 1.10m it feels big, when you jump 1.20m it feels big but when you get him in the arena in a good canter he really excels and it’s really incredible what he’s done today!”

From 50 starters in Sunday’s class, 13 of the 16 clears elected to jump off over Uliano Vezzani’s snaking track and Denis seized the advantage of last draw to pip long-time leader 30-year-old Jana Wargers from Germany riding Limbridge, with Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci (Cochello) third for home side Italy.

“I think what I learned from 2008 with Lantinus is that when you come to a show like this with a great horse you really have to give it your best, and give that horse the best opportunity, and on a day like today it would be disappointing if I made a mistake because he didn’t want to make a mistake,” said Denis. “That’s what these great horses teach you. You have to give them your full focus and concentration because they are rare, and I’m very lucky to have a great horse again.”

Full results from the Rome grand prix.

6. Victory for Edwards – with a little help from ice packs and paracetamol

Welsh showjumper Mark Edwards scored an incredible hat-trick with home-bred horses at the CSI2* Chard, Somerset, including the top-billed grand prix — all despite a foot injury.

“I was leading a horse out on Tuesday and it jumped on my foot. I wondered if it was broken but it’s just badly bruised. Ice packs and paracetamol have eased it and I got my boots on and managed to ride on Thursday,” said Mark. “It’s harder to walk than to ride and still sore; walking the distances on the course-walk is the hardest part.”

Mark made up time early on in the jump-off with tight lines, maintaining his momentum in the latter stages, scything a turn to the final oxer to cut the leading time by 0.89sec.

“Montreuxs Tale is so quick and covers the ground, I never have to chase after him,” said Mark. “ We made time up between the first two fences and kept it up.”

Results from the CSI2* Chard grand prix.

7. Ahlmann scores ‘one of the biggest goals of the year’

Home hero Christian Ahlmann landed Saturday’s Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Hamburg riding his top stallion Dominator 2000 Z, just ahead of Ireland’s Mikey Pender on HHS Calais, who finished equal second after posting the same time as the European champions Andre Thieme on DSP Chakaria, to take his first LGCT grand prix podium.

According to Christian, earning his ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix in November was “one of the biggest goals of the year” and he takes over as championship leader in the overall standings.

“It’s an amazing win in front of a home crowd,” he said. “I know the ring very well and I know Dominator very well, we had our difficulties at the start of this show but today he jumped amazing and he gave everything so we had a perfect day. I was hoping for this golden ticket but I didn’t expect it today.”

Results from the LGCT grand prix of Hamburg.

Teenage Derby horses, Holly Smith, and a son of the great Hickstead: who won showjumping ribbons at the weekend?

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 09 May 2022 14:42:30 +0000

There was another bumper action-packed weekend of international showjumping over the weekend (4-8 May) with plenty of success for British and Irish riders — as well as some star-studded equine progeny. Here is your weekly round-up of international jumping action.

1. “We trained in a lake near my home”: La Baule Derby victory for Denis Lynch

Irishman Denis Lynch and the 16-year-old stallion Rubens LS La Silla tackled La Baule’s famous 22-fence Derby track on Saturday and triumphed with the fastest of two clear rounds from a field of 14 riders. Taking second was French rider Nicolas Delmotte (Denerys Du Montceau) with another Irish rider, Mark McAuley and the 18-year-old Miebello, in third with the fastest round of the day but with four faults to add. Denis also won the La Baule Derby in 2012 riding Night Train when he was injured in the prize-giving, and he attributes this year’s victory to some cross-country practice at home.

“I knew Mark McAuley had a horse that was very fast and my Irish teammates in general are good, so I had to prepare myself well,” said Denis. “My horse and I know each other very well, we’ve done all kinds of competitions, and before La Baule, we trained in a small lake near my home. This Derby of La Baule was really a goal for me. Thanks also to my owners who have been with me for a very long time.”

Full results from the La Baule Derby.

2. Holly Smith and Fruselli surge to grand prix glory

British Olympian Holly Smith and the speedy chestnut Fruselli continued their phenomenal winning surge, claiming victory in the CSI3* grand prix of Le Touquet, France, doubling up on a win on Friday, while it was a hat-trick for Holly who had also won with Azolette on Thursday. Holly and Fruselli, who will be in action in Royal Windsor’s five-star classes this week, scorched home in Sunday’s grand prix just a fraction ahead of Ireland’s Richard Howley riding Consulent De Prelet Z. Sienna Charles was another winner at the show, riding Valkiry De Zance, as was Joe Whitaker (Icaterina), and Trevor Breen took the runner-up spot in the Derby riding Mandy Hall’s Toyger.

Full results from Le Touquet grand prix.

3. A victory on home soil for Robert Smith

On home soil, Northcote held its inaugural CSI2* show where victory in the AW Jenkinson-sponsored 1.45m world ranking grand prix was secured by Robert Smith with the 14-year-old Ilton (Dulf Van Den Bisschop x Calvaro Z) he owns with Karina Reilly. Robert steered the tightest of lines to win by 0.94sec.

“He’d had one down earlier in the week so I just went round – today he was good,” said Robert, who will look to the county circuit in the immediate future. “I voted for Brexit, but at the moment it’s making the horse job difficult.”

Full results from Northcote CSI2* grand prix.

4. “Eric told me to go for it”: Olympian’s former ride takes Rolex grand prix honours

The Rolex grand prix of La Baule went to Canada’s Beth Underhill riding the former top mount of her mentor Eric Lamaze, the 13-year-old stallion Dieu Merci Van T&L.

“I have a great track record in riding, with a little break in my career; I started again not too long ago,” said Beth, who was also part of the Canadian team who finished third in Friday’s Nations Cup. “I’ve been riding my horse for two months and this is the third 1.60m course I’ve done with Dieu Merci. He suits me perfectly because he is fast and has very long strides so we match up very well.

“This morning I went around the stadium and saw all the names of the winners on the marble in the René Pasquier stand, where my name will soon be. I saw the name of Eric [Lamaze], inscribed twice in 2011 and 2014. Eric told me after the first round to go for it because I could do it. I’m thrilled with my performance and thrilled to be with Eric who has given so much and continues to give us everything.”

The only other double clear from 50 starters came from runner-up Yuri Mansur of Brazil riding the 14-year-old Vitiki – the top six were all horses in their teens. In seventh was Frenchman Simon Delestre riding the 10-year-old Cayman Jolly Jumper, a son of Eric’s late great Hickstead.

View Rolex grand prix results.

5. Sam Hutton conquers in Belgium

Sentower Park’s CSI3* 1.55m grand prix also resulted in a British win, this time for Belgium-based Sam Hutton riding the 11-year-old gelding Givenchi. Victory came after a highly competitive 11-way jump-off.

Full results from the Sentower Park grand prix.

6. Belgium tops the Nations Cup podium

La Baule also hosted an independent Nations Cup, and eight countries fielded world-class squads for the event. A decade after they last won here, Belgium topped the podium with eight penalties, just ahead of France and Canada, who each came home on a score of 12 but were separated by time. All the riders praised Gregory Bodo’s track.

“What a place, what an atmosphere, what a public!” said Belgium team pathfinder Gregory Wathelet (Nevados S), who was also on the winning team 10 years ago. “To enter this arena is just incredible, we don’t often have this atmosphere. The course-designer has put together a very technical, tricky, but really enjoyable course to ride. We didn’t see the horses, I think, going too hard, it’s really what we needed. This win is well deserved by the whole team.”

Belgium’s chef d’equipe Peter Weinberg gave his insight: “I’m German and I’ve been here before with Germany, with whom I’ve already won the Nations Cup. I am happy to win again with the Red Devils. I set up this strategy to put Gregory first, if ever there was a jump-off, because the horse is the fastest and it allowed him to recover. It was a beautiful course, which was a bit technical, it required a good intelligent horse, but also a good rider.”

Nations Cup results here.

Cristello: the showjumper with an eye on the Olympics and a will to win H&H Plus

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 27 May 2021 14:00:38 +0000

Nicknamed Tiny at home, this stallion is a fighter in the ring but an affectionate softy in the stable. Jennifer Donald meets Denis Lynch’s Tokyo prospect

Cristello

Age: 14

Height: 176cm (nearly 17.2hh)

Breeding: KWPN by Numero Uno out of Volstelle (by Voltaire)

Rider: Denis Lynch (Ireland)

Breeder: Wilma Wigink-Markvoort (Netherlands)

Owner: Onyx Consulting

Greatest achievements: won CSI5* grand prix, Saint-Tropez (September 2020), won the CSI5* Golden Drum of Basel (January 2020); jumped in top-league Nations Cups and won the silver medal at the Dutch championships with Kevin Jochems (2019).

Rider Denis Lynch

“I BOUGHT Cristello in November 2019 with the 2020 Olympics in mind, but their cancellation probably worked in our favour as it’s given me more time to get to know him.

“Dutch riders Leon Thijssen and Kevin Jochems had done a fantastic job with him – he has an incredibly strong mentality, he really wants to do the job and his will to win is incredible. But his biggest strength is probably his weakness – he’s so eager to get on and do it and when he gets going, you’re going too!

“So the majority of the time I’m telling him to stay with me – in the warm-up, I never really want to wake him up because when the bell goes, he’s ready and he’s off.

But he’s lovely to work with – my wife and daughter ride him at home and he has a female handler, and although he’s massive, he’s very gentle.

“The jump-off he won in Saint-Tropez was exceptional – he’d be by far the slowest horse in it but I asked him to do things that for a smaller horse would be much easier and I was very impressed; the turn-back is what he does very well and he finds it easy to take out a stride.

“He really benefits from being up and running in the ring so the stop-and-go of the last year wasn’t beneficial. We gave him a good rest in the winter to collect semen – his first crop of foals is due in 2022 – and now we’re just getting going again, trying to work back from Tokyo. The last time I jumped at a championship we won a gold medal so I’d like to be part of that again.”

Groom to Cristello: Gwendoline Bellamy

“I’M really proud to be by Cristello’s side, he’s an amazing horse, just a lovely giant. What I love most is his kindness – even if I’m stressed it’s like he says: ‘Don’t worry, Mum, everything’s OK.’ I do get particularly nervous when he’s in the ring, more than any of my other horses, but I have to stay focused to video his round, which helps me relax a bit.

“He loves going to shows but he also likes spending quiet time at home. But when he knows we’re heading in the direction of grass, nothing can stop him – it’s his favourite thing and he can’t hide his joy when his stable door opens! He has a funny habit of stopping to observe everything – like he wants to know everything about everyone and it makes me laugh.

“My favourite moment is when I arrive in the morning and open his door, he comes and puts his head down to my height and I kiss him on the forehead – it’s just me and him in our own special moment.”

Cristello’s previous rider Kevin Jochems

“I WAS working for Leon Thijssen, who rode Cristello, when my best horse Captain Cooper got sold at the end of 2018 so he gave me Cristello instead.

“It took a bit of time to get to know each other – he’s not difficult, but he’s big and strong and it was about four or five months before he understood what I wanted and we had the control in place. Once we’d found each other, he developed very well and finished second at the Dutch championships – he didn’t knock a pole in four rounds at the highest level.

“He had never actually jumped at the top level before I rode him but we enjoyed a really nice summer with a few placings in five-star grands prix and Nations Cups.

“He’s an unbelievable fighter. He gives everything in the ring, every time, more than any horse I’ve ridden.

“I left Leon before Cristello was sold but I’m proud to see how he’s gone on. I’ve actually had a few horses that went to Denis after – he’s an amazing rider and it’s nice to watch his partnership with Cristello.”

You can also read this feature in the 27 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

‘I took full risk’: Glock grand prix victory secured with daring jump-off round

Polly Bryan — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 18:15:10 +0000

The CSI5* grand prix at the Glock Horse Performance Centre in Treffen, Austria, went down to the wire this afternoon (3 February), with Germany’s Christian Ahlmann pulling off a brilliant jump-off round to secure victory.

This is the first time the Glock Horse Performance Centre has hosted a winter show at CSI5* level, having upgraded from CSI3* for 2019.

Christian and the 10-year-old grey stallion Clintrexo Z shaved almost two seconds off the time of Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (Icarus) in the jump-off, with the Olympic rider daring the son of Clintissimo Z all the way.

“My horse did a really great job today. I took full risk and he did everything perfectly, so I am very proud of him,” said Christian, who also won the Mechelen CSI5* World Cup qualifier with this horse at the end of December. “I had a really good feeling from him in the first round and he took that with him into the jump-off.”

Guy Williams finished best of the Brits, with a stylish double clear aboard his ride of only a few weeks, the 12-year-old Cicero II, putting him in seventh.

“I’ve only had him since December and he hasn’t jumped a big grand prix like that before so I was really pleased. He’s improving every week,” Guy told H&H.

Britain’s Scott Brash was also one of 14 to reach the jump-off, but had a pole down with he 12-year-old stallion Hello M’Lord.

Earlier in the day Irish rider Denis Lynch claimed his second win of the CSI5* with his new ride, Pretty Little Liar. The 12-year-old Indoctro mare, who was previously partnered by Israel’s Danielle Goldstein, topped the Glock’s Perfection 1.50m class on both Saturday and Sunday.

For the full report from the Glock Horse Performance Centre, don’t miss the next issue of Horse & Hound, on sale on 7 February.

Rider eliminated under blood rule at World Cup jumping final

Pippa Roome — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 22:35:53 +0000

Irish rider Denis Lynch has been eliminated in leg two of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Paris tonight (Friday, 13 April) after blood was found on his horse All Star 5.

A statement from the event organisers said: “All Star 5, the horse ridden by Ireland’s Denis Lynch, has been eliminated under FEI jumping rule article 241.3.3 after blood was found on the horse’s flanks in the post competition check.

“Elimination under article 241.3.3 and article 241.3.31 does not imply that there was any intent to injure the horse, but it is crucial that the rules are enforced in order to ensure that horse welfare is protected.”

Denis completed his round with eight faults after lowering the upright third element of the yellow, black and white treble at fence nine and also both the front and back rails on the red and white oxer at fence 13.

H&H attempted to contact Denis but could not reach him.

The relevant part of the FEI jumping rules reads:

“The following paragraphs lay down the reasons for which athletes are eliminated in jumping competitions. The ground jury must enforce elimination under the following circumstances… blood on the horse’s flank(s)”.

The Longines FEI World Cup jumping final continues on Sunday at the AccorHotels Arena when the top 30 competitors after legs one and two progress to the third and final competition but Denis will take no further part in the competition. US rider Beezie Madden, who won the FEI World Cup final in 2013, is currently leading and has a fence in hand over her nearest rival going into leg three.

Article continues below…

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More from the World Cup final online over the weekend and full report from Paris in the magazine next week (issue dated 19 April).

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

‘We’re ready to win a medal’: Irish showjumping team named for Euros

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 11:41:34 +0000

The Irish squad will do “everything in our power” to bring home a medal from the European Showjumping Championships in Gothenburg (23-27 August).

Team manager Rodrigo Pessoa has named his four combinations and reserve for the championships, his first major competition since he took the job in March.

The team, sponsored by Devenish and The Underwriting Exchange, is:

Bertram Allen with Noel Delahunty/Connaught Bloodstock’s Hector Van D’Abdijhoeve

Cian O’Connor with Adena Springs and Ronnoco Jump Ltd’s Good Luck

Denis Lynch with his own and Thomas Straumann’s All Star 5

Shane Sweetnam with his own and Spy Coast Farm’s Chaqui Z

The reserve is Mark McAuley with Eva Lundin’s Miebello

Rodrigo said he believes his riders are ready to challenge for a medal.

“As of today, I think this is the best team that Ireland has to offer,” he said.

“In the view of Horse Sport Ireland’s high performance jumping committee and on paper, this is a team that has the potential to fight for a team medal and maybe an individual medal as well.

“Since the beginning of the year, we have tried to instil with our riders transparency and good communication. I hope the riders and owners all appreciate that. Now, for the next few weeks, our goal is to keep the horses healthy and to get ready for our first big championships together.”

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Rodrigo thanked all the owners involved in this year’s Nations Cup series, adding: “They have made their horses available and we really appreciate that.

“Myself and the entire team and backroom staff will do everything in our power to bring back a medal. We will face tough competition, but we are ready.”

Don’t miss the 17 August edition of H&H for a full European Championships preview.

Ireland chooses showjumper ranked 252nd in the world over top 10 rider for Rio

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 12:38:46 +0000

Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global have been nominated to represent Ireland at the Rio Olympics, with Bertram Allen, Denis Lynch and Cian O’Connor as reserves.

Team manager Robert Splaine said it was a “difficult decision” but that the pair are “at the very top of their form”.

The combination jumped a double clear to help Ireland to victory in the Nations Cup in St Gallen, Switzerland, at the weekend (3 June), following it up with a double clear and fourth place in the grand prix (5 June). Cian finished seventh in the grand prix and Bertram lowered one fence in the jump-off to take ninth place.

Robert said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make as we are fortunate that our four main contenders for the place are very strong.

“Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global have been outstanding contributors for Ireland in Nations Cups and have been consistent clear round jumpers at five-star level.

“Their performance in St Gallen shows they are a combination at the very top of their form.”

Greg, 31, is currently 252nd in the FEI rankings, while Bertram is at 10, Denis 32 and London 2012 bronze medallist Cian is 58th.

Ireland secured its individual showjumping slot for Rio in March thanks to Bertram Allen’s Olympic ranking. Denis Lynch just missed out on achieving a second place, instead securing the first reserve slot, should another country not be able to take up its qualification.

Under Olympic rules, individual places are allocated to the country of the individual who secures them, rather than directly to that rider.

At the time, Horse Sport Ireland chairman Professor Patrick Wall said: “Great credit is due to Bertram Allen, and to Denis Lynch for the efforts they went to in trying to secure the places for Team Ireland.

“Team Ireland Equestrian is in a great place now with phenomenal talent and I’m confident we can produce the goods in Rio.”

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Ireland missed out on qualifying a team for Rio, losing out to Spain by 0.380 of a penalty at the European Championships in Aachen (21 August, 2015).

A member of the arena party ran in front of Cian in the final round of the team competition and he lowered the next fence, but Ireland’s appeal was dismissed. Cian said at the time he was “totally gutted”.

The three reserves are Cian with Good Luck, Bertram with Molly Malone V and Denis with All Star 5.

All change on the FEI World Cup jumping podium — in Ireland’s favour

Alice Collins — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 19:48:55 +0000

Ireland’s Denis Lynch leapt up the leaderboard to finish on the podium in tonight’s Longines FEI World Cup jumping final, the second of three days of competition.

The leg was won by Germany’s Christian Ahlmann (Taloubet Z), with Denis and All Star 5 second and Harrie Smolders and Emerald filling third.

Christian, who earned €34,500 for his efforts with a daring round on his nifty and talented 16-year-old stallion, said: “I wanted to go fast and I have a really fast horse; an unbelievable horse.

He took the tightest of lines which none of the other six riders in the jump-off could reproduce.

“This was my only chance to get up the rankings before Monday — there was no other option than try to put my colleagues under pressure. Apparently it worked out.”

Denis, who was second to go in the jump-off, was 4.5 seconds slower than the pathfinding German, but these were the only two double clears of the night. He won €26,250.

“I was too slow yesterday,” he said. “Tonight I was lucky the others had fances down so I was second. But this competition isn’t about winning one class, so I’ll just keep trying to keep the fences up.”

Results from the first two legs are combined to give a penalty score, with those having performed well so far gaining an advantage. 30 riders progress to the final day’s jumping which takes place on Monday.

The current leader is Steve Guerdat (Switzerland) who starts the final day on a zero penalty score, with Marcus Ehning, Harrie Soulders, Daniel Deusser and Nicola Philippaerts all within a fence of poll position.

Denis sits in equal 10th with eight penalties.

Click here for the full results from tonight’s class.

Non-starters

Laura Renwick — who was set to be the only British contender in the final — had to withdraw her horse Bintang II after he was thought to have got cast overnight and was too stiff to jump.

Two other horses did not compete tonight: Egypt’s Mohamed Talaat was disqualified after jumping on the first day as his ride Connaught was found to have blood on his flank in the post-round inspection.

China’s Zhiwen Zhao withdrew Pommeau Du Heup before tonight’s class as the horse sustained a cut to his off-hind (right) leg when he crashed through the oxer at fence seven on Friday. He has recived stitches to the leg.

For a full report on all the action at the FEI World Cup finals, pick up a copy of Horse & Hound magazine on Thursday 31 March.

Discover which showjumpers will ride for Ireland in Aachen

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 14:55:08 +0000

Young showjumping sensation Bertram Allen is one of five riders selected for the Irish squad for next week’s FEI European Showjumping Championships (19-23 August).

Bertram and Molly Malone V are joined by Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global, Darragh Kenny and Sans Soucis Z, Denis Lynch and All Star 5 and Cian O’Connor and Good Luck.

Ireland’s showjumping manager Robert Splaine made the selection after a strong performance by the country during the home leg of the Nations Cup last week (7 August).

The Irish team picked up the Aga Khan trophy at the Dublin Horse Show, and the team includes four of the riders — except Denis — and three of the horses that helped Ireland to victory.

Ireland fields a strong squad for the championships.

“We are very capable of being competitive at the Europeans and the Olympics if we qualify,” said Robert after the Nations Cup win.

Cian O’Connor won individual bronze at London 2012, while Bertram finished best of the Irish (seventh individually) at last summer’s World Equestrian Games.

Last month he became the youngest rider to win a Global Champions Tour (GCT) grand prix, when he took the Paris class.

Darragh also competed at last year’s WEG, while Cian and Denis have both represented Ireland at past Olympics.

Greg makes his championship debut.

However, like Team GBR, Ireland are yet to qualify for next year’s Olympics in Rio.

To do so they must finish in the top three of the non-qualified nations.

The Netherlands, France, Germany and Sweden have already qualified, so the teams face stiff competition from nations including Belgium, Switzerland and Spain.

At London 2012 Ireland failed to qualify a team, but secured individual spaces for Cian and Billy Twomey, with Cian picking up the individual bronze medal.

There was controversy at the time, with a review launched to establish why the Republic could not qualify a team – despite having two riders in the world’s top 11 and five in the top 100.

Ireland’s Olympic ride has not always been smooth.

In 2008 Ireland also failed to qualify a team, sending Denis as an individual. He was subsequently disqualified after his horse Lantinus tested positive for capsaicin.

In 2004 Cian O’Connor was stripped of individual gold after his horse Waterford Crystal failed a dope test.

Top horse on the mend after heavy fall

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 10:00:34 +0000

Irish showjumper Denis Lynch‘s top mare Coulisa is recovering well after fracturing her elbow in a fall last month.

The 10-year-old German-bred mare took a crashing fall in the first round of the grand prix in Rotterdam when she picked up a stride early at the triple bar (22 June).

The chestnut daughter of Couleur Rubin was transported out of the arena in a horse ambulance and underwent surgery with a local veterinary team soon after.

Denis, who won the San Giovanni grand prix with Coulisa in May, told H&H the mare is now back at home and being led out in-hand every day with good signs of recovery — although she is still expected to be on the sidelines for several months.

Showjumper operated on after heavy fall

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 15:02:55 +0000

Denis Lynch’s top mare Coulisa is reported to be back on her feet following an operation on Monday.

The pair suffered a heavy fall in the Rotterdam grand prix on Sunday. Denis’s brother Shay claimed the surgery to be “very successful”.

“It’s very early days,” he said. “But the first signs are very positive.”

Coulisa is expected to travel back to Lynch’s stables in Germany for a 4 to 8 month recuperation period.

Denis Lynch suffers heavy fall in Rotterdam

Horse & Hound — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 16:53:50 +0000

Coulisa, the mount of Ireland’s number one showjumper Denis Lynch, was taken to a local veterinary clinic after a heavy fall during the closing grand prix at the Rotterdam Nations Cup show today (Sunday, 22 June).

The 10-year-old mare appeared to have injured her near hind leg and is currently undergoing further assessment and treatment. Denis was uninjured in the incident, which happened after Coulisa picked up a stride early at a triple bar.

The grand prix was won by Frenchman Patrice Delaveau, who was also a member of the winning French Nations Cup team. Britain’s Nations Cup team — Joe Clee, Spencer Roe, Jessie Drea and Guy Williams — finished 4th, with the Irish quartet in 7th place.

UPDATE: 23 June 2014

The local veterinary team found that Coulisa had fractured an elbow in the fall. She is due to be operated on today (23 June). It is hoped that she will be able to make a successful return to competition in due course.

Read the full report from Rotterdam in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out 26 June

Denis Lynch takes runner-up spot in Gucci grand prix

Horse & Hound — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:22:27 +0000

Dutch showjumper Marc Houtzager won nearly 100,000euros when taking top spot in the Gucci grand prix in Paris on Sunday.

Riding the 12-year-old Numero Uno gelding Sterrehof’s Tamino — with whom he clinched team silver at the 2012 London Olympics — the Dutchman was lightning quick to win with a 0.13sec margin.

“Along with the team silver medal at the London Games, this Gucci grand prix is one of my biggest wins,” he said.

Marc relegated Ireland’s Denis Lynch (pictured) and Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof into second place after a seven-rider jump-off, only four of whom returned double clears.

“Unlike Marc, I haven’t had an outstanding year,” said Denis. “It took a lot of concentration to finish in this position.”

In third was Alvaro De Miranda, whose wife Athina Onassis De Miranda recently injured her back in a schooling accident. The Brazilian, who also earned the title of the show’s leading rider, was riding AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno.

“This weekend was important for me as, with [my wife] Athina’s accident a fortnight ago, it’s not been an easy time,” he said. “Luckily, she’s feeling a lot better and will soon be back in the saddle.”

There was a strong British contingent in France for the four-day Gucci Paris Masters, but all faulted in round one of the grand prix. Nick Skelton (Big Star) and Ben Maher (Tripple X III) finished on four faults, as did Laura Renwick (Oz De Breve) although this combination also added a time-fault. Michael Whitaker collected eight faults on GIG Amai.

The previous day, Ben Maher finished second in a hard-fought 1.50m jump-off class on his fast-improving eight-year-old Aristo Z.

Gucci grand prix results

1. Sterrehof’s Tamino (M Houtzager) NED

2. Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof (D Lynch) IRL

3. AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno (A De Miranda) BRA

4. Palloubet D Halong (J Sprenger) SUI

5. Mylord Carthago*HN (P Leprevost) FRA

6. Eurocommerce London (G Schroder) NED

Wonderboy returns home to his former rider

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:43:37 +0000

The great showjumper Wonderboy III has returned to Great Britain to his former rider and producer Georgie Crumley – four years after she last rode him.

The grey gelding was originally produced by Adam Cove before Georgie (then Strutton) took the reins and competed in young riders.

In 2008, then then nine-year-old Wonderboy was sold to Ben Maher and Quainton Stud. Ben rode Wonderboy to many great successes, including the Rolex grand prix in Zurich and the Christmas Masters at Olympia. They were consistently placed at five-star shows.

In 2010, Syrian teenager Ahmad Saber Hamcho took the ride and together they competed at the 2012 London Olympics, going out in the second round. Ireland’s Denis Lynch bought the gelding in August in a part-exchange deal before Georgie and her husband Ryan snapped up the 13-year-old son of Flamenco De Semilly.

“We’d followed his progress and seen him doing brilliantly, so were delighted to be able to buy him back,” said Georgie. “He should never have gone in the first place.”

Georgie and her husband Ryan collected Wonderboy from Denis’s yard in Germany last weekend and brought him back to their yard in Surrey. Georgie hopes to compete Wonderboy at Arena UK this week.

“He’s in really good shape and it’s absolutely brilliant to have him home,” said Georgie.

“He walked straight into his old stable like he’d never been away.”

Top showjumper Wonderboy III sold to Denis Lynch

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:27:01 +0000

Wonderboy III, ridden at the London Olympics by Syrian showjumper Ahmad Saber Hamcho, has been sold to Ireland’s Denis Lynch.

In a part-exchange deal, Denis’s talented nine-year-old stallion Contifex (Cornet Obolensky / Coronino) has gone to 19-year-old Ahmad, who finished 62nd in the individual showjumping at Greenwich with the grey gelding.

“I’m gutted to lose a horse as good as Contifex, but that’s the nature of the business,” Denis told H&H.

Wonderboy, a 13-year-old son of Flamenco De Semilly, was ridden by Ben Maher until 2010. One of their biggest wins was the Zurich five-star Rolex grand prix in January of that year.

Wonderboy was initally produced by Adam Cove followed by Georgie Crumley (nee Strutton), who sold the grey gelding to Ben and the Quainton Stud in 2008.

Irish showjumper Denis Lynch will not ride at Olympics

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:27:54 +0000

Irish showjumper Denis Lynch has had his Olympic appeal dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Denis last week (27 July) made a last minute appeal to try to regain his Olympic place.

He was originally selected to jump for Ireland, but after his horse Lantinus 3 was disqualified for hypersensitivity in Aachen last month, he was dropped by Horse Sport Ireland.

Cian O’Connor was selected instead.

An HSI spokesman said: “This decision was reached by the CAS ad hoc tribunal following a lengthy hearing (Saturday 28 July) involving all interested parties.

“Our focus remains on supporting the eight equestrian athletes who are representing us at the games.”

Denis Lynch appeals to try to get his Olympic place back

Charlotte White — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:46:07 +0000

Irish showjumper Denis Lynch has made a last-minute appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to try to get back on the Irish Olympic team.

And CAS said it will rule on his case tomorrow (28 July).

Mr Lynch and Billy Twomey were chosen as the individual riders to represent Ireland in the showjumping competition at Greenwich (4-8 August).

But after his horse, Lantinus 3, failed a hypersensitivity test at Aachen (5-6 July) and was disqualified, Horse Sport Ireland announced they would be looking for a replacement.

And Cian O’Connor was called up in his place.

Now Denis has launched an appeal to CAS which will be heard by a special Olympic sitting of the court in London.

Denis’ brother and manager Shay Lynch told the Irish Examiner that Denis felt he had “a reasonable chance of success”.

Denis Lynch considering appeal against Olympic decision

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:22:23 +0000

Irish showjumper Denis Lynch said he is considering appealing after he was told he would not be riding at the Olympics.

Denis, along with Billy Twomey, was last week nominated to represent Ireland as an individual at the Games.

But after his horse, Lantinus 3, failed a hypersensitivity test at Aachen last week (5-6 July) and was disqualified, Horse Sport Ireland announced they would be looking for a replacement.

The horse was examined by FEI vets after sustaining a small injury on the left fore and right hind during the competition. He was examined again after jumping on Thursday (5 July), and for a third time on Friday morning, when “increased sensitivity” was recorded and the horse was disqualified from the Nations Cup.

A meeting was held yesterday (Monday 9 July) at Dublin Airport between Horse Sport Ireland officials and Denis, which led to the rider been dropped for Greenwich.

Denis said he was “devastated” that his nomination for the Games had been withdrawn.

In a statement he expressed dissatisfaction with the way the situation had been handled and added: “At this stage, we are considering an appeal.

“I would again like to state that at no stage, was there any inference from the FEI veterinary commission that the hypersensitivity was anything other than naturally occurring. When I received the news that Lantinus was disqualified I was distraught.”

A spokesman for HSI confirmed to H&H that the meeting took place, adding: “The group was unanimous in its concerns at the number of horses Denis Lynch had had disqualified for hypersensitivity in the previous 12 months and these concerns were not allayed at the meeting.”

Showjumper Denis Lynch dropped from Irish Olympic squad

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 16:50:43 +0000

Showjumper Denis Lynch will not represent Ireland at this summer’s Olympics after his horse Lantinus 3 failed a hypersensitivity test.

Denis and Billy Twomey were named as individuals for London last Tuesday (3 July) by Irish showjumping team manager Robert Splaine, after the country failed to secure a team place.

But after his horse, Lantinus 3, failed the test while competing in the Nations Cup in Aachen last week (5-6 July), Denis’s nomination has been withdrawn by Horse Sport Ireland.

The 14-year-old gelding was disqualified from the competition. It was the third time one of Denis’s horses had failed a test in 12 months – the same thing happened at the Rio Global Champions Tour in September with All Inclusive NRW and at last year’s Aachen with Lord Luis.

Horse Sport Ireland today (Monday 9 July) confirmed the news and said it had asked Robert Splaine to put forward another combination from his list of reserves to fill the second place individual place.

Denis was also disqualified from the last Olympics in Beijing after Lantinus tested positive for the banned substance capsaicin.

In a statement he said: “Lantinus was examined two hours prior to competing in the Nations Cup on Thursday. While a small wound on the left fore leg and an abrasion on the right hind leg sustained in the previous days’ competition were identified, these were not associated with any hypersensitivity or abnormalities in the thermographic examination.

“Lantinus was re-examined again after competing in both rounds on Thursday and again on Friday morning at 8.30am. In summary, the areas of sensitivity highlighted above on the left forelimb and on the hind limbs had increased after Lantinus had competed. We were advised that Lantinus was now considered hypersensitive within FEI Veterinary Regulations and Lantinus was disqualified by the attending FEI vets.

“At no stage, was there any inference that the hypersensitivity was anything other than natural occurring. I feel this is very important to clarify and I would also like to state for the record that I fully support all measures regarding hypersensitivity implemented by the FEI.”

Twomey and Lynch will jump for Ireland in Greenwich

Charlotte White — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:03:08 +0000

Billy Twomey and Denis Lynch will represent Ireland in showjumping at the 2012 London Olympics.

Team manager Robert Splaine and Horse Sport Ireland announced the news this afternoon.

Billy will ride Edwin and Sue Davies’s mare Tinka’s Serenade, while Denis will take Thomas Straumann’s gelding Abbervail van het Dingeshof.

Ireland did not qualify a showjumping team for London but two individual slots were secured by Twomey and Lynch from the Olympic rider rankings.

And their names have now been forwarded to the Olympic Council of Ireland.

Watch the Olympic selection interviews:

Billy Twomey

Denis Lynch

Robert Splaine

Calls for top riders to keep their helmets on during prize-givings

Charlotte White — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:06:40 +0000

Top riders are being urged to keep their helmets on at all times when riding, after Irish showjumper Denis Lynch fell off in a recent lap of honour .

Denis had undone his hat to salute the crowds when Night Train spooked during their victory lap after winning the La Baule Derby.

He landed on an ornamental wheelbarrow, broke two ribs, needed six stitches in his head and more in his elbow.

He told H&H: “I had taken my hat off for the lap of honour and was just putting it back on my head when he swerved and I fell.

“I shall certainly be keeping my helmet on in future.”

He said shows encourage winners to gallop around the arena in front of the crowd and, if you’re a male rider, you feel obliged to remove your hat.

But British team doctor Peter Whitehead said he felt the safety of such practices should be discussed by the industry.

“It’s obvious that flying around the arena one-handed with your hat removed puts you at considerable risk,” said Dr Whitehead. “Riders should keep their helmets on at all times.”

The rules of the international body for horse sport, the FEI, state that it is “compulsory for anyone jumping a horse to wear a properly fastened hard hat”.

And from 1 January 2013 it will be “compulsory to wear a properly fastened hat with a three-point retention harness at all times when mounted” anywhere on the showground.

But the rules add that senior athletes may be allowed to remove their headgear in prize-givings.

FEI showjumping director John Roche said: “Following the incident in La Baule the FEI jumping committee will review the ceremonial protocol.”

A spokesman for the Global Champions Tour said: “It is for each rider to decide whether they wear a hard hat or not for a lap of honour.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (24 May 2012)

Ireland qualifies an eventing team for the 2012 London Olympics

Pippa Roome — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:15:57 +0000

Ireland will be able to field an eventing team at the 2012 Olympics this summer in London after qualifying for three places through the rider rankings.

Camilla Speirs, Mark Kyle and Michael Ryan’s results at the “last-chance event” at Ballindenisk – one of three horse trials running last weekend to give riders an opportunity to win points before the 1 March deadline – secured Ireland’s spaces. Their places were confirmed today by horsesport’s international governing body, the FEI.

The spots are for the nation, not the individual rider, so can actually be given to any individually qualified rider.

In addition Ireland holds first and third position on the reserve rankings – courtesy of Jayne Doherty and Geoff Curran – so has a strong chance of getting a fourth and perhaps a fifth rider into the Games.

If other nations cannot take up their places, their allocation goes to the reserves – for example, Argentina qualified a team for the Olympics at the two-star Pan American Games, but does not yet have a single rider individually qualified for this four-star championship (17 June is the deadline for individual qualification).

Olympic eventing teams consist of three to five riders, with three scores to count – so with only three riders, Ireland would have no score to discard.

Australia (five riders) and the Netherlands (three riders) are the other nations to have qualified an eventing team through the rider rankings.

In showjumping, it has been confirmed that Ireland has two Olympic places for individuals after Denis Lynch and Billy Twomey finished first and second in the rankings.

And in dressage, Britain will be able to field a fourth rider as an individual – alongside our team of three – thanks to the efforts of Richard Davison, who has been hunting down rankings points with Hiscox Artemis.

Ireland is also second on the dressage reserve list through Italian-based Anna Merveldt and Coryolano.

In all, 41 nations have qualified riders for the 2012 Olympic Games. Seven countries – Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA – will field full teams in all three disciplines.

FEI press release: full list of nations qualified and links to qualification processes and rankings

Denis Lynch visits Irish equine welfare charity

Horse & Hound — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:26:18 +0000

Irish showjumper Denis Lynch visited an equine rescue centre in Mallow, Co Cork yesterday (6 December) to see how the money he collected for the charity is being put to use.

The rider, who is based in Germany, raised â‚¬190,000 ( £163,000) for the the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) through his contacts on the Global Champions Tour to help the charity tackle Ireland’s equine crisis.

Last year H&H highlighted the suffering in Ireland, where where ponies and horses have have become terribly undervalued as a result of over-breeding and the economic downturn (news feature, 19 August 2010).

And the charity says that through Denis’s support, its centres in Longford and Mallow, many more horses have been helped since last February.

ISPCA Honorary Secretary, Barbara Bent said, “Denis’s enthusiasm and belief in helping to raise these funds has made a real difference.

“Horses from many different sad and cruel situations; emaciated TB older mares, weak and injured trotting ponies and foals, starved and neglected young horses, are all benefiting from Denis’s commitment to make a difference.”

And Denis said, “I am impressed by the great work being done by the ISPCA. It’s very distressing when you read and see reports of any animal being mistreated or neglected but the care and attention they receive from the staff here does give you great hope. I hope to be able to continue supporting the society.”

Last week the ISPCA launched a virtual ‘Hay Drive’ to highlight the issue of the many horses who are left to starve over the winter months, and to raise funds to feed the animals in its care.

The appeal asks people to donate â‚¬3 ( £2.58)to help fill the ISPCA barn. Donations can be made by texting the word Hay to 57802 or via the ISPCA website.

Denis also visited ‘Bert’, a pony who suffered horrific burn injuries over Halloween, and who was rescued in Cork by ISPCA Inspector, Lisa O’Donovan.

Showjumpers’ horses disqualified for hypersensitivity in Rio

Charlotte White — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:22:23 +0000

Irish showjumpers Billy Twomey and Denis Lynch, and French rider Simon Delestre were all disqualified from the penultimate leg of the Global Champions Tour in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday following hypersensitivity tests on their horses’ legs.

Following tests, which include veterinary examinations and the use of a thermographic camera, all three riders’ horses — Twomey’s Romanov, Lynch’s All Inclusive NRW and Delestre’s Vancouver DML — were deemed unfit to compete.

In a statement the International Equestrian Federation stated that although the horses had been disqualified there was “no indication of malpractice”.

What is hypersensitivity?

Denis Lynch and Lantinus too good for rivals in Germany

Horse & Hound — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:13:29 +0000

Ireland’s Denis Lynch won the €60,000-to-the-winner Mercedes-Benz Championat von Hamburg in Germany on Thursday with Lantinus 3.

Fourteen of the 52 starters progressed to the jump-off but, second last to go, Denis’s impressive double clear was a full 1sec faster than his nearest rival, Portugal’s Luciana Diniz (Winningmood). Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Checkmate 4 finished third, with Michael Whitaker and Amai the best-placed Brits in seventh.

Denis also won this class last year and took home a flashy red car provided by the sponsors.

“The horse is in very good form,” said Denis. “I will save him for the Global Champions Tour grand prix in Cannes next weekend.”

See Thursday’s H&H (9 June) for full report.

Denis Lynch takes final World Cup qualifier

Horse & Hound — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:17:54 +0000

The final qualifier for the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final was won by Ireland’s Denis Lynch, thus earning him a place in the prestigious final in Leipzig, Germany, next month.

Competing in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, in the last round of the Western European League series, Denis and the 11-year-old gelding Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof produced a determined round to head a formidable 17-horse jump-off.

“It’s my very first World Cup win — I’ve been trying to do this for the past 15 years and I’ve been placed plenty of times but I’ve never come out on top, so it feels really good,” said Denis.

Following Sunday’s competition, the top 18 qualifiers from the Western European League were confirmed and included one British rider (Michael Whitaker) and two Irishmen (Billy Twomey and Denis Lynch):

Kevin Staut (FRA)
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER)
Rolf Goran Bengtsson (SWE)
Billy Twomey (IRL)
Ludger Beerbaum (GER)
Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP)
Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)
Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE)
Simon Delestre (FRA)
Philipp Weishaupt (GER)
Christian Ahlmann (GER)
Luciana Diniz (POR)
Denis Lynch (IRL)
Lars Nieberg (GER)
Harrie Smolders (NED)
Pius Schwizer (SUI)
Marco Kutscher (GER)
Michael Whitaker (GB)

Two extra riders, Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Edwina Alexander (AUS) have also qualified, while defending champion Marcus Ehning (GER) will also compete.

Don’t miss next week’s Horse & Hound (out 7 April) for the full report.

Denis Lynch and Horse Sport Ireland may have resolved differences

Charlotte White — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:28:10 +0000

Horse Sport Ireland and Denis Lynch have confirmed that a meeting took place yesterday (28 February) in Dublin between Horse Sport Ireland, Denis Lynch and Team Ireland Equestrian Show Jumping Manager Robert Splaine.

A spokesman for HSI said: “Horse Sport Ireland and Denis Lynch are pleased to confirm that progress was made on all the issues raised and it is hoped that matters will be fully resolved shortly.”

In January Lynch threatened to leave the Irish team, citing irreconcilable differences with Mr Splaine.

But he has continued to ride under Irish colours.

Lynch off Irish showjumping team after bust-up with Splaine

Horse & Hound — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:52:45 +0000

Irish showjumper Denis Lynch has quit the Irish team, blaming irreconcilable differences with team manager Robert Splaine.

Denis is now considering riding for Germany — where he has lived for the past 16 years.

Denis told the Irish Examiner newspaper: “The team must come first, not me, an individual, but if I cannot give the same commitment, there is no point in continuing.

“I have spoken with Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) and I don’t think we can achieve anything at the moment.

“The relationship between myself and Robert [Splaine] has broken down, but manager/athlete situations like these occur in all sports.

“I have to recognize our relationship is poor and this could definitely affect the team in the future. So I have to question my involvement.”

A spokesman for HSI told H&H: “It is our view that the appropriate way to resolve any issues which a rider may have with the management of any Irish equestrian team is for the rider to sit down with the team manager and discuss them face to face.

“In recent weeks Denis Lynch has repeatedly declined to do this, despite several proposals to this effect from Robert Splaine.”

He said that Mr Splaine, HSI chief executive Damian McDonald and chairman Joe Walsh had offered to visit Denis in Germany on 7 January but their overture had been refused.

“The offer to meet still stands,” said the HSI spokesman. “However, we want to make it clear that it is HSI’s prerogative to appoint the manager of the Irish showjumping team.

“In addition, any rider who wants to ride for Ireland must be willing to comply in full with HSI’s rules and code of conduct,” he added.

Denis Lynch acts to help Ireland’s abandoned horses

Horse & Hound — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:58:38 +0000

Irish showjumper Denis Lynch is launching a campaign to raise money and find new homes for Ireland’s neglected and abandoned horses.

Denis wants to raise “a substantial amount of money” to help the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) deal with the country’s horse crisis.

Last year H&H highlighted the suffering in Ireland, where where ponies and horses have have become terribly undervalued as a result of overbreeding and the economic downturn (news feature, 19 August 2010).

“The subject has been preying on my mind for months. I had to do something. Horses should not treated like this,” said Denis, who hails from Co Tipperary but is based in Germany.

“Being in showjumping I have access to some very affluent people and I have already got a number of donations to my fund,” he added.

Denis launches his appeal at the CSI4* in Basel this week and hopes to encourage fellow riders and owners to contribute.

ISPCA chief executive Noel Griffin said: “We are extremely grateful for Denis’ offer of help. We have a very severe problem, with more horses needing help them we can cope with.”

After recuperation, some of the horses rescued by Irish charities could make riding school horses and hunters, believes Denis, and he hopes to expand his help to the ISPCA to help find new homes for them.

“I have already had 600 or so offers from people who are able to help rehome these horses and there are breeders in Holland and Germany who are willing to look after horses while they recover,” said Denis.

But no arrangement has yet been agreed with the ISPCA.

“We still need to discuss all the details,” said Mr Griffin.

If you would like to donate to the account, banking details are:

Donation account: Irish Horses

Account number: 19038011 at the Fellbacher Bank

Sort code: 60261329

IBAN: DE90 6026 1329 0019 0380 11

BIC: GENODES1FBB

Irish showjumper Billy Twomey breaks into world top 10

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:17:42 +0000

Irish showjumper Billy Twomey has broken into the world’s top 10 showjumpers for the first time.

Billy appears at number nine in the official Rolex World Jumping Rankings.

He joins fellow Irish jumper Denis Lynch, who is at number seven.

“I have a couple of very capable horses at the moment, and of course this is also the reason why I have been able to win enough points for my first top ten position,” said Billy.

“I’d like to thank all the people who have helped me — my owners, sponsors and supporters, I’d also like to thank the Irish chef d’equipe Robert Splaine for giving me the opportunity to compete at top class shows.”

Horse Sport Ireland chairman Joe Walsh added: “This is a significant achievement by Billy. For such a small country to now have two riders in the world’s top 10 is amazing.”

France’s Kevin Staut currently leads the individual Rolex World Rankings.

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“The pressure was on, but they delivered,” said team manager Clare Whitaker.

“Gait L is very naturally quick, has a very big heart and always tries to jump clear,” said Lauren. “I know him well now as we bought him from Shane Breen two and half years ago; he said he was the horse for Junior classes and he was right, it was a very good buy.”

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Denis paid tribute to a “class horse”, who he’s enjoyed producing over the past three years.

“His new rider is very talented, she gave him a beautiful trial, the horse loved her and they really clicked together, which is fantastic, so hopefully they’ll go on well together.”

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“He looks like a big, classical horse and again has a very interesting pedigree – it’s not a pedigree that’s really about in Europe and I think he looks like he has the makings of a really good sire, which again is the thought behind it,” says Denis.

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