Irish Sport Horses lead the way at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen

Following the wonderful performances of Irish Sport Horses last week in Aachen, it’s no wonder the Irish Sport Horse has leading the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horse Rankings in Eventing for the last eleven years.

Irish Sport Horses are renown in for their ability, breeding and courage in Eventing and this was evident over the four days of competition in Aachen. Following the dressage Ringwood Cockatoo (ISH) and Betina Hoy lead on a score of 36.5 and Ben Along Time (ISH) ridden by Clayton Fredericks were in seventh position on a score of 44.4.

The Irish contingent of Lorgaine (ISH) and Niall Griffin had a score of 57.4 , Old Road (ISH) and Michael Ryan scored a 63.3, Balladeer Alfred (ISH) and Lt Geoff Curran scored a 68 and Kincluny (ISH) and Sarah Wardell achieved a score of 58.5.

The 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games cross country course did not disappoint: The course was exciting, difficult, technical, tricky, all at once. It tested every quality of the horse, from freshness and honesty to fitness and stamina. Only 24 horses were clear across the obstacles on the cross country and 11 of these came home within the time allowed. At the end of the cross country phase 4 of the top ten horses were Irish Bred.

On Sunday the showjumping phase of the competition took place. Only 56 competitors were left in the competition and clear rounds were in limited supply. The tension from the crowd in the main ring at the Aachen stadium was exhilarating as the last ten horses jumped. Ben Along Time (ISH), ridden for Australia by Clayton Fredericks jumped a fantastic clear round. Ringwood Cockatoo (ISH) and Bettina Hoy had two fences down and one time fault which gave Toy Town and Zara Philips a little breathing space to jump a round which gave them their first World Individual Gold Medal.

Full Results:

Gold ~ Toytown 1993 chestnut gelding. Rider: Zara Philips (GB)
Silver ~ Ben Along Time (ISH) 1995 by Cavalier Royale (Holst), out of Campaigners Dream (ISH) by Campaigner (TB). Bred by Ann Marie & James Jamieson, Ballinode, Co Monaghan. Rider: Clayton Fredericks (Aus)
Bronze ~ Poggio (TB) 1992 by Polnesian Flyer (TB). Rider: Amy Tryton (USA)
6th Ringwood Cockatoo (ISH) ~ 1991 gelding by Peacock (TB), out of Baileys Folly (ISH). Bred by Hilary Greer, Castleblayney Rd, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. Rider: Bettina Hoy (Ger)
9th Tankers Town (ISH) – 1994 chestnut gelding by Diamond Clover (RID) out of Money Gone West (TB), by Bulldozer (TB). Bred by Mary Blundell, The Red House, Ballacolla, Co. Laois. Rider: Sharon Hunt (Gbr)
12th Spring Along (ISH) – 1993 bay gelding by Pallas Digion (ISH) out of Miss Buck (ISH) by Master Buck (TB). Bred by William McDonnell, Pallas Stud, Pallasmore, Nenagh, Co Tipperary. Rider: Daisy Dick (GB)
14th Whos Blitz (ISH) ~ 1994 gelding by Silver Wonder (TB) out of Winetown Dozer (WNTR) by Bull Dozer (TB). Bred by Richard J Conlon, Carrick, Tullamore Co Offaly. Rider; Dag Albert (Swe)
24th Call Again Cavalier (ISH) ~ 1992 gelding by Cavalier Royale (Holst) out of My Woodlands Lady (WNTR). Rider: Mary King (GB)
26th Lenamore (ISH) ~ 1993 gelding by Sea Crest (RID) out of Karinella (TB) by Valiyar (TB). Bred by Helen Walsh, Greenhills, Naas, Co Kildare. Rider Caroline Powell (Nzl)
30th Connaught (ISH) ~ 1993 gelding by Ballysimon (ISH), out of Broomhill Rogue (ISH) by Royal Rogue (ISH). Bred by Michael Kelly, Broomehill House, Kilrush, Co Clare. Rider: Philip Dutton (Aus).