Ireland to send eventing team to the Olympic Games

Ireland will send an eventing team to this summer’s Olympics, Horse Sport Ireland announced last Sunday

The decision follows a meeting between chef d’equipe Ginny Elliot and owners, riders and trainers — and Geoff Curran’s win at the World Cup qualifier at Tattersalls (read report in the current issue of Horse & Hound, p44).

A squad of 14 has been selected (see full list below), which will be reduced to eight before 16 June, with the final line-up to be announced after Barbury Castle horse trials in early July.

“I am happy that enough riders will give full commitment to the programme over the next two and a half months,” said Ginny.

Ireland secured five Olympic places through riders’ individual world rankings.

Irish eventing squad

• Geoff Curran (Balladeer Alfred and Kilkishen)
• Jayne Doherty (Art Attack)
• Niall Griffin (Lorgaine)
• Louise Lyons (Watership Down)
• Joseph Murphy (Master Boy)
• Austin O’Connor (Hobby Du Mee)
• Michael Owen (King Bob)
• Sacha Pemble (Hyanie d’Aubrie)
• Elizabeth Power (Kilpatrick River)
• Michael Ryan (Old Road)
• Donal Healy (Master Imp)
• Patricia Ryan (Fernhill Clover Mist)
• Steven Smith (Quality VH)
• Sarah Wardell (Kincluny)
• Sam Watson (Ballybolger Bushman)

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