This is a subscriber-only article
It looks like you're browsing in private mode
IRELAND lie in fifth after dressage at the FEI European Eventing Championships in Luhmühlen, Germany, with the home nation out in front ahead of defending European and world champions Britain.
Ireland’s stand out performer in the dressage was 22-year-old Cathal Daniels with Margaret and Frank Kinsella’s 12-year-old mare Rioghan Rua (ISH). Traditionally not the mare’s best phase, she looked at ease in the ring and the pair scored their best result since 2014 when achieving 29.0 for 13th place individually.
Next best is Sam Watson in 16th place with Vahe Bogossian’s Tullabeg Flamenco on a score of 29.6.
In Thursday’s session, Ciaran Glynn scored 35.50 for 45th place overnight aboard November Night, owned by Susanne Francke and Peter Cole, just ahead of Sarah Ennis and Horseware Woodcourt Garrison in 48th.
Making his championships debut, Breda Kennedy’s 10-year-old gelding struggled with his flying changes during the dressage stage and is the discard score at this stage. That leaves Sally Corscadden’s team on a score of 94.1 ahead of tomorrow’s cross-country phase, which is traditionally their strongest phase.
Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua (ISH) \ Adrian Fohl
The home nation are out in front with three of their four team riders inside the top four individually. Michael Jung (fischerChipmunk FRH) and Ingrid Klimke (SAP Hale Bob OLD) scored 20.9 and 22.27 respectively, to lead the way in first and second place individually.
Jung’s only mistake was a break into trot during the extended walk. “Chipmunk is a fantastic horse. He’s so intelligent and extremely well trained,” said Jung, who blamed himself for the mistake.
“He has a lot of power and sometimes there’s a difficult balance between that and keeping him relaxed. Maybe I risked a little bit too much in the walk so he accidentally broke into trot.”
Germany are 16.8 penalties ahead of Britain in second (85.7). Belgium lie in third place (90.0), and France (92.8) in fourth just ahead of Ireland, who are currently less than a fence off the podium.
British individual rider Laura Collett, who did her test on Thursday, remains in third aboard London 52 with a score of 25.5. Britain have team riders Oliver Townend and Kristina Cook inside the top 10.
CROSS COUNTRY TIMES:
Ciaran Glynn - 10.24 (9.24 Irish time)
Sarah Ennis - 11.40 (10.40 Irish time)
Cathal Daniels - 1.36 (12.36 Irish time)
Sam Watson - 2.56 (1.56 Irish time)
SHARING OPTIONS: