European show jumping championships commence in Aachen

The European show jumping championships commence on Wednesday in Aachen, Germany where Ireland bids to book a place at next year's Olympic Games in Brazil by finishing in the top three of those nations not already qualified.

The Investec Irish team which will line out for today's opening speed round comprises Tipperary native Denis Lynch (39) with Thomas Straumann's All Star 5, Wexford's Bertram Allen (20) riding Ballywalter Farms' Molly Malone V, Tipperary-based Greg Broderick (29) with Caledonia Stables' Irish-bred gelding MHS Going Global and Co Meath's Cian O'Connor (36) on Adena Springs' Good Luck. The Irish team has been drawn 18th to jump of the 22 nations taking part.

The European team competition consists of three rounds, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Faults are carried forward from each day to the next, and in all rounds - as in standard Nations’ Cups - a team can discard the score of the rider with the highest faults. The individual final will take place on Sunday.