Irish Sport Horses proved yet again why they lead the WBFSH Eventing Studbook Rankings, by claiming no fewer than seven medals for eventing at the 2008 Olympic Games.

In the individual results, Gina Miles (USA) and McKinlaigh (ISH) finished in second place to take the Silver Medal. Owned by Tom Schulz of California, McKinlaigh (ISH) was bred by Yvonne Walsh from Rainstown, County Carlow. He was bought at Goresbridge Horse Sales as a three year old by Chris Ryan from Scarteen, County Limerick. He was broken and produced by the Ryans and went on to win the Young Event Horse Class at Punchestown in 1998. He was purchased by the Schultz shortly afterwards but remained with the Ryans until 2000, during which time he won the Grove Combined Training Class and was second in his first novice class at Dartfield. McKinlaigh (ISH) went to the USA in 2000 and recorded 19 wins over the following six years, culminating with victory in the 2006 US Eventing Association Gold Cup. In 2007, with Gina Miles, he was third at the Pan American Games in Brazil, as well as finishing fifteenth at Badminton.

In the eventing team results, six Irish Sport Horses took home medals. Mr. Medicott (ISH) and Frank Osholt (Ger) were part of the victorious German team that claimed Olympic Gold, while Clayton Fredericks (Aus) and Ben Along Time (ISH) took Silver for Australia. The team from Great Britain, with four of their five horses being Irish Sport Horses, saw Sharon Hunt (Gbr) & Tankers Town (ISH), Daisy Dick (Gbr) & Spring Along (ISH), William Fox-Pitt (Gbr) & Parkmore Ed (ISH) and Mary King (Gbr) & Call Again Cavalier (ISH) claim Bronze Medals.

The Irish Sport Horse Studbook would like to congratulate the breeders, owners and riders of the Olympic Medal winning Irish Sport Horses for their tremendous performances in Hong Kong.

McKinlaigh (ISH) – 1994 chestnut gelding by Highland King (ISH) out of Kilcumney Hostess (ISH), by Stetchword Lad (TB). Bred by Yvonne Walsh, Rainstown, Co. Carlow. Owner: Gina Miles, Thom Schulz & Laura Coats. Rider: Gina Miles (USA)

Mr. Medicott (ISH) – 1999 chestnut gelding by Cruising (ISH) out of Slieveluachra (ISH), by Edmund Burke (TB). Bred by Dr. D Geaney, Castleisland, Co. Kerry. Owner: Hermann Horst. Rider: Frank Osholt (Ger)

Ben Along Time (ISH) – 1995 brown gelding by Cavalier Royale (HOLST) out of Campaigner’s Dream (ISH), by Campaigner (TB). Bred by Ann-Marie & James Jamieson, Balliode, Co. Monaghan. Owner: Edwin & Peta McAuley & Clayton Fredericks. Rider: Clayton Frederick (Aus)

Tankerstown (ISH) – 1994 chestnut gelding by Diamond Clover (RID) out of Money Gone West (TB), by Bulldozer (TB). Bred by Mary A Blundell, Ballacolla, Co. Laois. Owner: Sharon, Janet & Terry Hunt. Rider: Sharon Hunt (Gbr)

Spring Along (ISH) – 1993 bay gelding by Pallas Digion (TB) out of Miss Buck (ISH), by Master Buck (TB). Bred by Patrick McDonnell, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Owner: Daisy, Caroline & Alexander Dick. Rider: Daisy Dick (Gbr)

Parkmore Ed (ISH) – 1992 chestnut gelding by Parkmore Night (ISH) out of Bodalmore Lass (ISH). Bred by Sean Aylward, Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Philip & Nastassia Adkins & Amanda Brooks. Rider: William Fox-Pitt (Gbr)

Call Again Cavalier (ISH) – 1992 bay gelding by Cavalier Royale (HOLST) out of Woodlands Lady (ISH), by Aristocracy (TB). Bred by Noel Walsh, Ducketts Grove, Co. Carlow. Owner: Mr & Mrs E Davies & J Clamin. Rider: Mary King (Gbr)