Sophie Leube wins Military Boekelo 2021

2021 saw the fabulous Military Boekelo celebrate it’s 50th Anniversary. The 50th anniversary should have taken place last year, but this could not happen due to the global pandemic. The organisers of the event pulled out all the stops this year, to ensure that the 2021 event would be a memorable occasion. Even the weather played it’s part, the bright sunshine added to the wonderful hospitality on offer, drew large crowds on both Saturday and Sunday. The stands around the main arena were packed for both days, giving a wonderful atmosphere for the competitors.

Packed stands around the main arena for the cross country

It was Germany’s Sophie Leube, who led from the start with Jadore Moi ( in just their second start at the level) who won the individual title. Former winner (2003 and 2005) William Fox-Pitt with Grafennacht finished second. France’s Sidney Dufresne and Tresor Mail finished third

Winner: Sophie Leube and Jadore Moi

Highest placed Irish combination was Padraig McCarthy with MGH Tokyo Phil, who finished in ninth.

Irish Team for the FEI Nations Cup™

Boekelo hosted the final leg of the FEI Nations Cup™, with nine nations, including Ireland, taking part.

Left to right: Susie Berry, Felicity Ward, Padraig McCarthy, Brian Morrison, Sally Corscadden (Senior High Performance Director) and Tracie Robinson (dressage coach)

The Irish Eventing team of Padraig McCarthy (MGH Tokyo Phil), Susie Berry (Ringwood LB (ISH), Felicity Ward (Regal Bounty (ISH) and Brian Morrison (Global DHI) finished in fifth place .Ireland were sitting in sixth place after Dressage then moved up one place to fifth after Saturday’s Cross Country, and remained in fifth after the Show Jumping phase, finishing on a final score of 162.7.

Britain (William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht ,Nicola Wilson and Coolparks Sarco , Izzy Taylor and Hartacker,James Rushbrooke and Milchem Eclipse) took the victory finishing on a score of 90.4 with USA taking second on 102.7 whilst third place went to Germany on 127.7.