Eventing - Three Irish In European Top 20 After First Day Dressage At Blair Castle

Following the first day of dressage at the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle, Scotland today (Thursday) Ireland had three combinations in the leaderboard's top 20.

Individual Carlow rider Sam Watson and Horseware Lukeswell (ISH) held 12th place on an impressive score of 44.10, while team member Padraig McCarthy from Tipperary and the gelding Simon Porloe were not far behind in 15th position with a score of 46.60.

The Irish team pairing of Co. Down-based Joseph Murphy and Sportsfield Othello (ISH) are in overnight 20th, having scored an even 50.00.

Kildare's Camilla Speirs, competing as an individual with Portersize Just a Jiff (ISH) held 29th place with 53.90 penalty points.

Friday will see dressage tests from remaining Irish team members Michael Ryan on Ballylynch Adventure (ISH) and Austin O'Connor with Balham Houdini (ISH).

The championships, which feature riders from 15 nations, continue with the cross country phase on Saturday and the final show jumping element on Sunday.

Current leader at Blair Castle is Britain's Holly Woodhead with DHI Lupison (ISH) on 31.70 penalties.