The first of the Grand Finals at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championships in Lanaken saw team Ireland put in an impeccable performance with six out of twelve Irish horse qualifying for the jump off. The jump off resulted in all three podium placings being secured by Irish horse and rider combinations. This is the second time in the events history that Ireland have managed to secure the top three placings.

Mikey Pender and HHS Ocala rode to victory becoming the new world champions in the Five-Year-Old class. The Irish Sport Horse Gelding breed by Marion Hughes is by Uran De Cartigny (SF), out of Hera Van’t Roosakker (BWP) who is by Wandor Van De Mispelaere (BWP).

The sliver medal was claimed by 19-Year-Old Young Rider Niamh McEvoy and Boleybawn Alvaro, only 0.5 seconds behind leader Mikey Pender. This stallion breed by Ronan Rothwell is by Dominator 2000 Z (ZANG), out of Arina (KWPN) who is by Crown Z.

Bronze was clinched by Ger O’Neill and the 2023 Irish Breeders Classic winner, Ballyshan B F Super Hero (ISH). This gelding bred by Gary Doherty is out of Ballyshan Luximportant (ISH), who is by Lux Z (HANN).

Bluegrass Horse Feeds are proud sponsors of the 2023 Horse Sport Ireland Young Horse Squad.