A stunning performance from Ireland’s Kris Rohrssen and his pony ‘Checkmate’ saw them take the Gold Medal on Sunday, August 29 at the FEI European Carriage Driving Championships for U14 (Children) in Selestat, France.
Kris, from Co. Tipperary, won the opening Dressage phase on Friday, August 27. He was in the silver medal position following the Marathon and regained top spot following the final Cones section to claim a historic Gold Medal win for Ireland – the first ever Irish gold medal win at this level in Carriage Driving.
Asked how did it feel leaving the cones arena, knowing he had won the gold medal, Kris said: “I knew during the course that this could be the day. The pony and I felt like a single unit and this was our first double clear at an international level. I am honoured to represent Ireland at this level with my pony ‘Checkmate’. It’s amazing how far we have come in the past few months. ‘Checkmate’ is just the best!
“I would like to thank all my supporters, especially my family, mum and dad and our German relatives, who helped us along the way to Gold. Also I couldn’t have done this without Lars Schwitte, Horse Sport Ireland and TRM. I feel very lucky.”
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