Caitriona Murphy

IRELAND’s show jumping team manager Robert Splaine has been approved to continue with his four-year term of office, following a mid-term review by Horse Sport Ireland.

Speaking to The Irish Field yesterday, the Cork man outlined his immediate goals: “My short term goals are of course to perform successfully in the super league, to go to the European Championships with the best possible team and to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio 2016.

“We had a very strong team in Normandy 2014 for WEG. We missed Olympic qualification by the narrowest of margins. We also have a few very strong combinations coming through and we have a very good team for the future,” he added.

With young riders such as Bertram Allen and Darragh Kenny in the spotlight throughout 2014, the team manager will have some difficult choices to make over the next two years.

“My priority is always to put the best possible team in the arena and the rising stars add an exciting dimension to the performance, but we also have some very experienced, talented and committed riders who have championship experience, as have some of the younger ones and it can possibly be a mix of both,” said Splaine.

Commenting on the availability of top horses for Irish riders, he said: “We are always conscious of the need for top horses and in the past we have lost horses through injury, sales, retirement etc.

“Therefore the search for the best possible horses and of course new owners is never ending.”

However Splaine is resolutely optimistic about Ireland’s chances.

“I feel that significant progress has been made in the last few years and I believe that if we can strengthen the team a little more, we can qualify for Rio and I feel that winning medals at Rio is a real possibility,” he maintained.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful group of riders that I have been fortunate to work with. Of course the owners play a huge role in our bid for success and their support is invaluable. I must also mention the input of Horse Sport Ireland chairman Dr Pat Wall. His knowledgeable support is highly valued by me,” said the team manager.