KIAN Dore of Kilcornan was a key member of the Ireland team that created history by winning back-to-back European Pony Jumping Championship in Le Mans, France at the weekend.
Gary Marshall team of Kian Dore riding Sparkling Lackamore Joey, Abbie Oakey riding Boutade Ste Hermelle, Paddy Reape riding Fernando, James Derwin riding Rincoola Babog and Emily Moloney riding Lady Crown were utterly dominant throughout and finished the competition on a team score of zero faults.
Speaking to Horse Sport Ireland, a delighted Marshall said: “This team have proven why I had such confidence in them to come here and win gold for a second successive championships.”
“I really just tried to instil into them that they were the best in Europe, having beaten all the other nations already this season in FEI Nations Cups.”
“It was a case of managing their emotions and making sure they kept cool heads – I knew if they did they would win gold and that’s how it transpired. To do it on a perfect score of zero is remarkable and it’s a testament to the support staff that I have and these athletes have.”
“We couldn’t do it without these parents, trainers and grooms, the likes of Hayley and Sally-Anne behind the scenes and also Tim, our vet out here. We are very much a team and we have won here because of that team mentality – I’m extremely proud of them all.”
For good measure, Dore won a superb individual brozne with Sparkling Lackamore Joey. He needed a jump-off to secure his place on the podium.
