Irish European hopes hit by squad changes
The Irish team for the forthcoming European Eventing Championships in Malmo, Sweden has had a shake-up after 2 of its members have had to withdraw.
Aoife Clark’s Master Crusoe (pictured top), who finished 8th at Badminton this year and 7th at the London Olympics, has been suffering from a foot abscess which has failed to clear up in time.
And Double Dutch V, on whom Jonty Evans was selected for the first time since he rode Cregwarrior at the 2005 Europeans at Blenheim, has injured his manica flexora.
“This is like a guy-rope which holds the deep flexor tendon in place,” said Jonty. “The vets called it a cosmetic injury and, although he is having an operation to clear up the inflammation in the area, touch wood, he should be back and firing in a matter of weeks.
“It’s the most appalling piece of timing.”
Sarah Ennis and Sugar Brown Babe and Clare Abbott with Euro Prince take their places. Both are senior championship debutantes.
The squad of 6 also comprises Austin O’Connor (Ringwood Mississippi), Joseph Murphy (Electric Cruise), Elizabeth Power (September Bliss) and Sam Watson (Horseware Bushman).
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Michael Ryan and Ballylynch Skyport are reserves.
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A St Andrews’ graduate, Catherine joined Horse & Hound in 2002 and stayed for 11 years in a variety of roles until she went freelance in June 2013. She rejoined the team part-time in November 2016 as hunting editor. She pretty much lives on the hunting field or at the racecourse, but also loves eventing, as a journalist, press officer and competitor. She was H&H’s sole accredited journalist at the London Olympic Games and has reported from major race meetings and eventing, showjumping and dressage championships and shows round the world, and has hunted all over Britain and Ireland.