THE Irish Eventing team scored a podium finish at the Fontainebleau Nations Cup in France on Sunday, March 27th, getting their preparations for this year’s Olympic Games in Rio off to an excellent start.

Having moved up three places on Saturday after the Cross Country phase, Ireland held onto their overnight third place position after the final Show Jumping competition. Cathal Daniels riding Rioghan Rua (ISH) and Claire Abott riding Euro Prince (ISH) both jumped clear, with Jonty Evans aboard Cooley Rorkes Drift (ISH) and Austin O’Connor riding Kilpatrick Knight (ISH)(TIH) picking up just four faults to hold off a strong challenge from Australia, who had to settle for fourth.

A strong German side collected the winner’s prize ahead of the home team from France in second.

Jonty Evans finished as the highest placed Irish rider on the individual standings in 11th place, with German Olympic Gold medallist Micheal Jung taking the winner’s trophy with La Biosthetique Sam.

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