Dwyer and Gaffney out of the medals at European Championships

Irish pair, James Dwyer and Rosemary Gaffney both finished outside the medals in the individual test for the Grade IV category at the JYSK FEI European Para-Dressage Championships in Herning this evening.

Dwyer did well to finish seventh in a 15-strong field but there was disappointment for Gaffney, who ended in 13th.It could have been better for Dwyer too, who was last into the JYSK Arena. The American-based rider was was still in contention for a place on the podium until an error in the collected canter put paid to those hopes.

He and his 17-year-old gelding Orlando gathered themselves well though and finished on a score of 66.986 - an improvement of 1.6 from the team event - to finish in seventh.Gaffney started well and was looking at a score in the high 60s at one point. A sticky period around the second part of her routine, and in particular around the half pirouette and collected walk proved costly though and left her down the field in 60.119.

The gold medal went to British rider Sophie Wells and her dark chestnut gelding, Valerius.Ireland manager, Dara Kearney admitted that both Dwyer and Gaffney could have done better.

"I am very disappointed for Rosemary. She made an error off course and it affected the rest of her test.
"James did a very good test but made a costly error at the end. I was very happy with the way he rode."

Ireland's main medal prospect, Helen Kearney will compete in the Grade 1a category tomorrow. Kearney, who won a bronze medal at the last European Championships and improved that with a silver at the London Paralympics last year, will be fourth into the ring at 1.19pm Irish time.

The Kilkenny woman and her mount, Mist Cool registered the fourth highest score in her category in the team test so is likely to be battling for honours once again.

Kate Kerr Honan, who is competing in her first major championships, will participate in the Grade III competition, which starts at 11am. The 20-year-old will be hoping to use the experience of her team contribution to gain an improved score as she builds for the World Championships and Paralympics.

SCHEDULE (IRISH TIME)
Saturday, August 24
11:45 KATE KERR HONAN (Grade III - Individual)
13:19 HELEN KEARNEY (Grade 1a - Individual)

Sunday, August 25
07:00 ALL RIDERS (Individual Freestyle)