Carlow’s Sam Watson beats overseas challengers to win feature at Ballindenisk International

Ireland’s 2018 World Equestrian Games Eventing team silver medalist Sam Watson has added another major title to his collection, after claiming a hugely impressive win on Sunday in the feature CCI4*-L at Ballindenisk International Horse Trials.

The Foran Equine Rider and the 13-year-old Traditional Irish Sport Horse gelding Imperial Sky were in second place heading into the final Show Jumping phase – just 0.6 penalties behind Belgian leader Geoffroy De Jamblinne with Consequent Pia Z. Watson jumped a perfect clear round to put the pressure on the Belgian rider, and when De Jamblinne lowered two fences the title went to Carlow-born Watson.

Sam Watson was also in excellent form in the CCI3*-S when taking third place aboard Ballybolger Talisman (ISH)(TIH).

BREEDING
Imperial Sky (ISH)(TIH) a 2006 grey gelding by Puissance (ISH) out of Skies of Blue (ISH) by Horos (TB). Breeder: Carolyn Lannigan O’Keefe. Owned by Cathy Byrne & Hannah Watson