Mr Springfield to be retired this weekend

Robert Smith’s Olympic partner Mr Springfield is to retire from competition at this weekend’s Northern Ireland International Horse Show, Belfast (23-26 October).

The British team regulars finished fourth individually at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

“Jimmy” was produced in Ireland by his owner Jimmy McCloskey, who gave the ride to Robert in 2000 when the son of Western Promise was seven years old.

The pair quickly became a success on the international circuit with many wins including the Horse of the Year Show, Zurich and Chester grands prix, Vigo World Cup qualifier and numerous international class wins.

A few weeks after the Athens Games, Robert and Mr Springfield finished third in the lucrative Spruce Meadows grand prix. However, Mr Springfield then suffered an injury and was out of competition for three years, spending most of this period with his owner.

Last December, he returned to the show jumping scene by winning the accumulator at the London International Horse Show (Olympia). He also won the third leg of the British Open earlier this year.

Following this weekend’s show in Belfast, Mr Springfield will remain in Northern Ireland with his owner.

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