‘People may be surprised to see me here’: meet the Irish rider within grasp of gold at European Showjumping Championships

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Michael Duffy and Cinca 3 are in the bronze medal position going into Sunday's individual final for the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy
Michael Duffy and Cinca 3 are in the bronze medal position going into Sunday's individual final for the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy.
(Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

Ireland have enjoyed a tremendous week at the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September), claiming team silver to champions Sweden on a brilliant afternoon of team jumping.

One of the stars of the silver medal-winning squad is 28-year-old Galway-born Michael Duffy, who has produced three immaculate clears with the big-jumping mare Cinca 3 (Casall x Carthago). They now progress to Sunday’s (3 September) individual final in the bronze medal position, just 2.18 penalties behind leader Jens Fredricson (Markan Cosmopolit), with Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme in silver ahead of the two-round medal decider.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.