DISASTER TURNED to a landmark victory for a young sporting team with strong Perthshire connections thanks to two sisters from Stirling, it was revealed yesterday.

A broken leg could not deter the McLaren family from participating in the first ever British international equestrian vaulting victory at Saumur, France.

Two weeks before the weekend event, 15-year-old Victoria McLaren was forced to withdraw from the Scottish junior squad after breaking her leg falling from a horse.

Her sister Diana (16) stepped in as first reserve, helping the team—which is made up of members from vaulting teams across the country and which represents Britain—to an amazing victory.

Both girls are part of the Eagles Vaulting Team, who train at Gleneagles and Blackford under Ann Hunt, chairwoman of the body British Equestrian Vaulting.

She said, “It was the first time Britain has ever stood on the podium in the history of equestrian vaulting, so it was quite an exciting result.”

The debut event of the sport’s season was also the first ever official competition for under-16s, and saw teams enter from France, Germany, Switzerland and Great Britain.

The same event saw the senior team also gain a place on the podium in their event, which involved teams from France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Britain.

Ann Hunt said, “Jenny Leggate as chef d’equipe had a British squad to be proud of, these results reflecting the years of hard work and dedication shown throughout the discipline.

“I hope this will act as an inspiration to other youngsters to join the clubs, enjoy the fun and expand the sport.”