Crucial week for equestrian Olympic hopefuls as selection looms

IRELAND’s equestrian athletes, in show jumping, eventing and dressage are competing in their final competitions before Horse Sport Ireland makes its selection nominations to the Olympic Council of Ireland next week.

Ireland has qualified a team of four eventers for Rio and 12 riders have been short listed for selection by Horse Sport Ireland’s eventing team Manager, Nick Turner. All 12 riders will compete at Tattersalls International Horse Trials this weekend.

The cross-country phase takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with tickets selling out fast as fans are expected to flock to the event to see the riders in action against top combinations from abroad.

Meanwhile in Switzerland, show jumping Olympic hopefuls Bertram Allen, Greg Broderick, Denis Lynch and Cian O’Connor will compete in the Irish Nations Cup team on Friday.

Horse Sport Ireland’s show jumping team manager Robert Splaine will also make his Olympic decision next week. Ireland has secured one individual place in showjumping.

In dressage Judy Reynolds competes at the Austrian dressage show, Achleitin, this weekend in preparation for the Rio Olympic Games.

Along with Tattersalls International Horse Trials, Ireland is host to a two-star international show jumping competition in Mullingar Equestrian, with the Grand Prix taking place at 15.00 GMT on Bank Holiday Monday.

Nations Cup action also takes place at the four-star show in Langley BC (CAN).

In total this weekend, 230 Irish riders will compete internationally in 10 different countries this weekend.