Irish friends who competed to defend their title at an extreme winter sport competition in Canada lost out on their bid but did win another unusual event.

Susan Oakes and her best friend Barry O'Brien Lynch failed to retain their sprint title at the Skijordue Festival in Calgary, but did win the Alpine Lounge race on Saturday. They also came second in the long jump event.

Skijoring is North America's fastest growing winter sport and consists of a horse pulling a skier over obstacles through the snow at speeds up to 65km per hour.

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