European Show Jumping Championships

Irish mission achieved as Germans dominate

By Michael Slavin

By the skin of its teeth and on the strength of a brilliant double clear from Kevin Babbingon, the Irish team accomplished its mission of Olympic qualification at the European Championships in Donaueschingen, Germany last weekend.

But there was nothing else for our side of Babbington, Cian O'Connor, Robert Splaine and Billy Twomey to shout about as the Germans dominated the proceedings by taking team gold and all three individual medals.

In addition to Kevin Babbington's double clear on the Clover Hill gelding Carling King, the Irish got two solid fours from Robert Splaine on the stallion Coolcorran Cool Diamond. However, Cian O'Connor and Waterford Crystal had a four and then an eight while Billy Twomey and Luidam knocked two in both rounds. The result was a disappointing fifth place overall for the defending champions to just earn them a qualifying place in the 2004 Olympics.

But it has to be said; this was far from an Olympic performance and the team will have to be strengthened if it is to justify a costly trip to Athens in 12 months time.

Lennon

It can only be hoped that our World Championship combination of Dermott Lennon and Liscalgot will be back to top form by then - they were sadly missed in Donaueschingen; they will be needed in Athens, if we are to fulfil our hope of winning Ireland's first ever Olympic equestrian medal.

Delighting the home crowd, Germany's foursome of Otto Becker, Christain Ahlmann, Marcus Dhning and Ludger Beerbaum took the gold on 15.15 penalties; France won silver on 25.30 and Switzerland bronze on 28.86. Belgium with 32.14 came fourth and Ireland's total score was 34.79 in fifth.

Less than a fence behind us and also bidding for the qualifying spot in Athens were the Italians in sixth on 38.14. That is how close it was.

After the team event, best of the Irish in the individual rankings was Kevin Babbington in fourth and he went into Sunday's final with less than a fence between him and the leader Marcus Ehning. Steven Guerdat of Switzerland was lying second and his team mate Beat Mandli held on to third.

But over the two final rounds matters changed dramatically. Kevin had two down in the first round and one in the second to end up 11th overall. Young Christain Ahlmann battled his way up to gold for Germany on the Holsteiner by Caleto, Custer. Ludger Beerbaum took the silver on the Hannovarian Goldfinger by Grosso and the bronze also went to Germany as overnight leader Marcus Ehning slotted into third with the Hannovarian For Pleasure by Furioso.

Again it was a close thing with just about one penalty point between them:

1) Coster; Ahlmann, Christian (GER) Total penalties 11.55

2) Goldfever; Beerbaum, Ludger (GER) Total penalties 11.59

3) For Pleasure; Ehning, Marcus (GER) Total penalties 12.01

Carling King; and Kevin Babington, ended on 18.87 in 11th.