Mission accomplished at college’s top event

Competitors have returned to the various corners of the Continent, but principal Jeannete Dawson hopes the competition’s legacy will last for many years.

Dawson – who is also Bishop Burton’s chief executive – presided over four days of top-class competition at Bishop Burton in which Britain’s Anna Wilks took individual gold.

While Ireland were successful in the team event for the second year running, Wilks recorded a clear showjumping round with Touch of Pleasure to secure the individual gold.

The event also featured two strong showings from Yorkshire competitors with both Richmond’s Storm Straker and Dewsbury’s Kristina Hall-Jackson jumping stylish clear showjumping rounds.

After Sunday afternoon’s finale, the show continued for Bishop Burton College this week with the National Tetrathlon Championships beginning on Monday and set to draw to a close tomorrow. But the prestigious 2014 Junior Europeans were the week’s big one and, in Dawson’s eyes, it was every inch a case of mission accomplished.

Dawson beamed: “Our aim at the outset was to provide great sport, great spirit and great friendship and there can be no doubting that we achieved this – and more.

“The young competitors were great ambassadors for this wonderful sport of eventing. Although this competition is over the friendships forged and its legacy – both for Bishop Burton College and all those who took part – will go on.”

A stellar future certainly looks assured for 17-year-old Wilks following her home victory for Team GB. The event received a big thumbs-up from the Oxfordshire rider, who is based with legendary Olympian eventer Pippa Funnell.

Wilks enthused: “I really do want to thank Bishop Burton College for its warm Yorkshire welcome and great facilities. The cross-country course rode excellently and was really well designed. Everybody has been really friendly and this is an experience I’ll remember forever.”

Another rider thrilled with the event was Cathal Daniels, member of the victorious Irish team for the second consecutive year. He produced a fault-free round to climb from individual bronze into silver. The 17 year-old said: “This competition is a real boost for me and has been a fantastic experience for everybody who took part.”