Dressage horse Diallo BB dies

OLYMPIC Champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s rising Grand Prix star Diallo BB has sadly died. The 11-year-old gelding (Dancier x Floriscount) began his big tour career with fellow German Uta Graf, before moving to von Bredow-Werndl’s base in early 2025. The combination made their international debut at CDI Hagen in April before winning both of their classes at CDI5* Munich in May. More recently, they earned double victories at CDI Wiener Neustadt and CDI-W Stuttgart before being awarded the Otto Lorke prize for Germany’s most promising rising Grand Prix horse at CDI Frankfurt in December.

Von Bredow-Werndl used Instagram to announce Diallo BB’s sudden loss on Tuesday, saying “this disease came like a storm”. She said “investigations are still ongoing, but the suspicion is on Bornavirus.”

Bornavirus can cause neurological disease in birds, horses and humans, which can result in severe behavioural changes.

Rooney made Ground Jury president

IRELAND’S James Rooney has been appointed president of the ground jury at the inaugural FEI U25 Eventing World Championships, which will take place in Millstreet in July. British-based Rooney will officiate alongside Angela Tucker (GB) and Robyn Fisher (USA), while Hunter Doughty (AUS) will be technical delegate.

“I’m very excited and humbled by the appointment,” said Rooney. “Millstreet is developing a new course over the winter for these championships, and it’s really exciting that Ireland is hosting the very first one.”

Work is expected to start on the Mike Etherington-Smith-designed cross-country course at the Duggan family’s Cork venue later this month.

Treo Eile renews eventing support

TREO Eile has announced its continued commitment to supporting the retraining and competitive success of Thoroughbreds with the sponsorship of the 2026 Thoroughbred Arena Eventing Series, in partnership with several arena eventing leagues across Ireland.

Treo Eile will renew its collaboration with EI Northern Region Flexi Eventing, Killossery Arena Eventing, EI Western Region Starter Series and Wexford Equestrian’s Stepping Stones to Success.

The series will commence with the EI Northern Region Flexi Eventing League, taking place at Meadows Equestrian Centre, Armagh, running from January 10th to February 21st, 2026. Treo Eile will sponsor the Highest Placed Thoroughbred at the league final, offering a prize of €150, a Treo Eile rug, and a rosette.