August 5, 2009 at 12:29 am
Joanne Eccles new European champion gets Gold at the European Championships in Malmo, Sweden
Lunged by her father and coach, John Eccles, the very graceful and athletic Joey Eccles shone as she took the first prize as the senior female champion of Europe on her horse WH Bentley. This follows a wonderful season of first placings for Joey both in Europe and the USA.
Lucy Philips has made huge strides this season to finish in 8th place in the senior competition on her new horse Pitucelli won best horse in the championships, gaining the highest score across all rounds with a final average of 7.475. Team GBR also achieved 2 top 15 places in the Junior female class with Hannah Eccles finishing in 7th place and Louise Sinclair in 13th. Stephanie Hunter finished 18th in the junior class and Hattie Nicol 31st in the senior.
The Senior team came 8th and the Junior team a well deserved 5th against some very high quality competition.
These vaulters will now roll straight into preparations for the British selection trials for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky 2010.
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Posted by Ann Hunt
August 5, 2009 at 12:31 am
Congratulations to Joanne Eccles for her win in Malmo. I believe this is the very first time a British Team member has gained a medal at a Championship. Well done on making it the gold.
Great to see such good performances from all the other team members.
Congratulations.
Posted by Aage Varmbo
August 5, 2009 at 8:35 pm
A big hug from Norway to “the lady in red” Joanne, for a very good performance at the European Championship in Malmo last week.
Congratulation as the new Champion !
And a big salute to my friend John, the good longeur and to the good horse WH Bentley, it was a pleasure to watch you all.
GB have made a huge step since the first volter qualified for the final in Saumur in 2003, so congratulation also to the British Vaulting, Bravo !
Posted by Christine Noth
August 18, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Congratulation from Germany to the “Lady in red”. Great performance, on a perfectly lunged exellent horse. Joan Eccles really diserve this title this year. It was incredible to see her dancing on horseback.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for her, that she get used to sing the british national anthem with her father