RIO 2016 dressage Olympian Judy Reynolds said she will “take it as it comes” in relation to the prospect of getting to Tokyo in 2021 for the rescheduled Olympic Games. “We had our sights firmly set on this year. So yes, we were disappointed in that regard. But the health of everyone is first and foremost and it was definitely the best decision to cancel. We couldn’t have been prepared the way things were going,” Reynolds told The Irish Field.

Her 2016 Olympic partner Vancouver K (or JP), who finished fifth at the European Championships last August, will be 19 by the time the Games now come around, but she is upbeat about their chances. “We know JP certainly doesn’t believe he is 18! I don’t know, I am saying it since last year, JP owns me nothing. He gets to decide at this rate when he stops.

“At the moment, his will to go is huge. He’s motivated and he is up to it, so we will take it as it comes. There is zero pressure on him. If he’s fit and healthy and motivated, he will certainly have the chance,” added Reynolds.

Disappointed

Reigning individual world silver medallist Padraig McCarthy said the news wasn’t all bad for his main Olympic hope, the 11-year-old mare Fallulah. “Obviously I am very disappointed for my team and my owners. For Fallulah, it’s probably a good thing, we all think that she is only improving. On the other hand, I am trying to qualify others, Mr Chunky and Leonidas II; they are not getting any younger so I would prefer to crack on this year,” McCarthy said.

“Given the circumstances, it is for the best. There are so many things we don’t know, we are dealing with a lot of uncertainty, we can’t make a plan about how we are going to get there and will we get back, so it for the best. I just hope that we can get out [competing] at some point this year and get some more match practice,” he added.

Relief

Eventing High Performance director Sally Corscadden said the news of postponement came as a relief. “It was a relief because every day was changing so fast. I kept looking at scenarios, looking at the logistics, and kept thinking how is this going to work.”

“It was a massive decision for them, but this is global and health had to come first. The news that it be will in 2021 means that we have something to aim for, so it gives us extra time to prepare; how we are going to use this time and be productive with it. Obviously the priority is people’s family and their business.”

On the timeline and possibility of a Games earlier in the spring, Corscadden said: “From our point of view, we can’t compete over the winter, can’t get out until March so it would be better than it would be May or June. We will face whatever plan they come up with. Once we have a timeline, we will plan according.”

Looking at positives

Show jumping High Performance director Michael Blake said his team will take the positives from the decision. “We have to acknowledge that it is was difficult decisions, but public safety has to be the priority. We will take the positives out of it,” Blake said.

“Our qualification is already secured and this will be a historic Games for Ireland with three teams qualified for the first time. We now have extra time to prepare, some of our younger horses will be a year older and more experienced. We will set new targets, and the Aga Khan will be a priority for the season. If the situation improves and shows go ahead, Nations Cup are hugely important for testing horse and riders combinations in the run up to Tokyo.

“We are working closely with other European stakeholders and have made recommendations to the FEI on the rescheduling of the remaining Nations Cups, which of course can only happen if it is safe to do so,” Blake added.