Dermott Lennon, who has won a Texaco award for the second year running, has been Ireland's leading light on the international show jumping circuit in 2001. Even though Lennon only broke onto the international circuit in 1999, his coolness under pressure provided a vital clear round to clinch Ireland's first ever team gold at the European show jumping championships in Arnhem, Holland, at the end of June.

The Co Down rider has built up a superb partnership with the Harvey family's mare Liscalgot and the pair claimed the prestigious Modena Grand Prix at the famous Pavarotti International three weeks before leading Ireland to that historic team gold at the Europeans.

Lennon played his part in Nations Cup wins at Hickstead, Calgary and Lummen this year and at the beginning of December the Lennon/Liscalgot combination cherry-picked the Stockholm Grand Prix, with Lennon finishing the show as leading rider.