Ireland showjumpers one spot outside Olympic cut after Day 1 at Europeans
Ireland's showjumpers are just one spot outside the Olympic qualification places after the opening day of action at the FEI European Championships.
Robert Splaine's team opened with eight faults from Denis Lynch but followed-up with clear rounds from Bertram Allen and Greg Broderick before team anchor Cian O'Connor dropped one rail.
With two days of jumping to go, the team is still well placed to achieve a spot at Rio 2016, while 20-year-old Allen also sits in fifth place in the individual rankings.
Great Britain’s showjumpers also made a strong start in their pursuit of Rio Olympics qualification in Aachen, Germany.
Despite winning Olympic gold at London 2012, Britain have still to book a place in Brazil next summer, while other current non-qualifiers include Ireland, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland.
Overnight standings after Euro Championships 1st day @Aachen2015 #GoTeamIrl @RTEsport @McArdleBrendan @NewstalkSport pic.twitter.com/M7pcGctlf3
— Horse Sport Ireland (@HorseSportIRL) August 19, 2015
Joe Clee, Ben Maher and Michael Whitaker all jumped clear rounds as the British hold the bronze medal position overnight behind leaders Germany and second-placed France, with two days’ team jumping remaining.
As well as Britain, Spain and Italy lie ahead of Ireland, who are 8th overall, in the battle for the three remaining Olympic spots.
