“FOR three years it’s been a hands grab away, so to win gold and for my luck to finally swing was amazing,” said an exuberant Kate Derwin after arriving home from the FEI European show jumping championships for Juniors in Zuidwolde, The Netherlands with the individual gold medal around her neck.

Derwin (17) and the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding AHG Whiterock Cruise Down didn’t touch a single pole over the five rounds to be crowned the European champions on Sunday afternoon. The Cruising’s Mickey Finn gelding, who was bred by Ann Clancy Gannon, is owned by Kate’s father Francis.