EQUESTRIAN - Ireland crowned European Polo Champions after defeating France to claim Gold in Berlin

The Irish Polo team are the new European Championships after defeating France today (Sunday) to take the Gold medal in Berlin, Germany.

The Irish quartet of Mickey Henderson, Stephen Hutchinson, Max Hutchinson and Creighton Boyd, came out on top by seven goals to four in a thrilling decider which was played at the historic Maifeld Olympic stadium in Berlin, which was the venue the last time Polo was part of the Olympic Games in 1936.

Ireland had beaten hosts and red-hot favourites Germany in the semi-final and they maintained their superb form to win the Gold medal in the championship final against France who took the Silver medal, while Germany took the Bronze after a play-off against Austria.

Ireland's Max Hutchinson's horse received the award for "the one that runs away" as the most impressive horse of the 206 that participated.

Europe's top eight Polo Nations took part in the championships with Ireland the only team to remain unbeaten throughout.