Great Britain produced a superb comeback to claim team gold at the inaugural FEI World Eventing Championship U25 in Millstreet, climbing from third after dressage to top the podium thanks to outstanding cross-country performances. Germany took the silver medal while hosts Ireland claimed bronze.
The new championship, contested at CCI4*-S level, has been created to bridge the gap between young rider competition and the senior ranks, giving the sport’s emerging stars the opportunity to compete for a world title at a pivotal stage in their careers.
Four clears around Mike Etherington-Smith’s influential cross-country course propelled Great Britain to the top of the leaderboard, a position they retained after the showjumping despite the withdrawal of overnight leaders Alice Casburn and Topspin on Sunday morning.
Championship debutant Cerys Macaulay enjoyed a week to remember with Kananaskis, an 18-year-old Irish Sport Horse who is owned by Cerys’ partner Richard Coney. The pair not only helped Great Britain to team gold but also claimed the individual silver medal.
Also in the victorious team were Jasmine Underwood and Indian Girl G, fourth individually, and Tom Bird with Lenny, who finished 11th.
‘Incredibly proud’
“I’m incredibly proud of every one of these riders and the way they represented Great Britain throughout the week,” said David Sheerin, British Eventing Under-25 Chef d’Equipe.
“Championships are about so much more than the final results. They’re about preparation, teamwork, resilience and performing under pressure, and this group demonstrated all of those qualities.
“To come away with team gold and individual silver is a wonderful reward for all of that hard work. It’s a fitting reflection of the commitment shown by everyone involved, and it’s exciting to see what the future holds for these combinations.”
Inaugural individual champions
The individual gold medal was awarded to pre-event favourite Calvin Bockmann (GER) and his long-time partner Altair de la Cense, a 16-year-old Selle Français mare who has carried him through the junior and young rider ranks.
The pair led the individual standings after the first phase but dropped to third after they amassed 12.4 time penalties across-country. A clear round on the final day saw them return to the top spot after leaders Tom Nestor and Cooley Diamond Dancer (IRL) knocked four rails and plummeted to eighth.
“I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun at a championships. We are very lucky to have this new competition and this venue at Millstreet. The gap between young riders and seniors can be big and you can get lost,” said Calvin.
“I don’t normally get nervous but I did feel the pressure. The cross-country was tough and quite different to anything we have seen in central Europe, but it will prepare us well for the future. My horse showed that she fights and wants to do her best; she grows 10cm. For her to have this result means the world to me.”
USA’s Olivia Dutton, the daughter of Olympic event rider Phillip, and Jewelent produced one of just seven clear showjumping rounds to climb from 12th and claim the individual bronze medal.
Heartbreak for Alice
Alice and Topspin produced the quickest cross-country round of the day, adding just 2.8 time penalties to lead the individual standings overnight. Unfortunately, Alice felt her homebred five-star horse wasn’t quite right on Sunday morning and took the difficult decision to withdraw him.
“He was very angry not to be jumping this morning, but I felt he wasn’t 100%. It was very hard but my teammates have been brilliant and he will now have a happy retirement,” said Alice.
‘Showcased the future’
“This championship has showcased the future of our sport. We have seen outstanding horsemanship, sportsmanship and talent throughout the week and I look forward to watching these athletes in their senior careers,” said FEI Eventing and Driving Director Molly Day.
Individual British riders Barnie Brotherton and DHI King Nelson finished 22nd, while Jess Rimmer and The Spice Merchant were 30th.
Next year’s competition will take place on British soil at Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire.
Final results
Team
Gold: Great Britain, 149.7 penalties
Silver: Germany, 168.6 penalties
Bronze: Ireland, 180 penalties
Individual
Gold: Calvin Bockmann and Altair de la Cense (GER), 40 penalties
Silver: Cerys Macaulay and Kananaskis (GBR), 45.3 penalties
Bronze: Olivia Dutton and Jewelent (USA), 48.2 penalties
For full results, click here.
Main image © Hannah Cole Photography.
