Rising showjumping star Michael leads the way

Several Galway showjumpers will be taking part at the RDS Dublin horse Show this week and holding his head highest among them is young Turloughmore star Michael Duffy, who was to the fore as Ireland’s leading pony riders secured silver at the European championships in Belgium over the weekend.Duffy, who is just 14 years old has been making huge strides this season and didn’t disappoint thanks to a superb weekend of jumping. He began with some impressive form in the warm up events on Thursday where he had a double clear and carried that into the first day of the individual on Friday where he again managed to get around without a fence dropping.By Saturday’s team competition Duffy was jumping superbly on his consistent pony Sligo Saddlery Silogue Darkie. A total of 16 nations were competing for top honours with great Britain the main favourites.Duffy had the role of anchorman for the event meaning. he would therefore jump last of the Irish four in each round and carry that little extra pressure in the process. he wore it admirably in both rounds and his first round clear really did help Ireland into the main contender bracket.After that...