Swail and Lynch top World Cup league series

CONOR Swail and Denis Lynch have topped the North American League and Western European League of the FEI Jumping World Cup series. Swail swept to victory in the North American series bolstered by a hat-trick of wins – at Vancouver, Sacramento and Fort Worth – along with two runner-up placings, to finish with a total of 74 points, well ahead of runner-up Tiffany Foster on 59 points.

Denis Lynch found himself topping the Western European League when it came to an early conclusion in London in December.

He competed in five of the six qualifiers, finishing with a total of 39 points which left him just ahead of Britain’s Harry Charles in second on 38.

A number of other Irish riders have also received qualifying slots and will be confirmed by the FEI once all invitations are accepted.

Dag Albert role

SWEDISH Olympic event rider Dag Albert has been given a new role by Horse Sport Ireland on a temporary basis. Albert has been the manager of the Irish junior team since 2019.

Horse Sport Ireland stated yesterday (Friday): “Horse Sport Ireland have appointed Junior team manager Dag Albert as the acting High-Performance Director of the Senior Eventing team on a temporary basis.”

The senior eventing team is chasing their Paris 2024 Olympic qualification at this year’s World Championships in Pratoni, Italy, from September 15th to 18th.

Mullingar Auction

SELECTIONS are taking place today (Saturday) at the SJI Spring League and Winter Tour for Mullingar Equestrian Centre’s upcoming auction on Friday, April 8th.

Intending entrants should submit details of their horse(s) and a recent jumping video through the auction website irishsporthorseauctions.com.

The final selection will take place at Mullingar Equestrian Centre on Tuesday, March 22nd.

Diamond’s Equine Open Day

DIAMOND’s Equine Renvyle are hosting a packed Open Day next Sunday, March 20th from 2-6pm at Renvyle, Connemara and all are welcome to come along. Registration is at 1.30pm.

Pioneering sport horse breeder Mary McCann of Hartwell Stud will launch the Connemara Pony National Stud with blessing by Fr Christy McCormack.

Vet Dara Larkin will deliver a talk on ‘Preparing your mare for the Breeding Season’ while there will be talks from well-known Connemara pony breeders and producers Carstown Stud’s Peter Meehan and Fernville Connemara Pony Stud’s Jimmy Canavan.

There will be a stallion exhibition, as well as dressage and show jumping Demonstrations by Alana Cazabon and Talitha Diamond. There will be music, food and bumper prize giveaways.

Michael Foley RIP

THE funeral took place this week of Kildysart’s Michael Foley.

A popular character on the Irish show circuit, Michael passed away at home and will be greatly missed by his loving wife Bernie, daughters Sarah and Ciara, sister Mary, brothers Pat, Timmy and Thomas, family, friends and community.

Donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice while a GoFundMe appeal has also been arranged for the family.

Loose jumping training

THE CPBS is holding two open ‘training’ days for registered Connemara ponies. Participation is free and no booking is required. An arena party will be on site to assist negotiating a loose jumping lane laid out as per inspections and competition.

The first session is at Creagh, Ballinsaloe tomorrow (Sunday, March 13th) from 2pm-5pm. A second day will be held at The Showgrounds, Clifden next Saturday, March 19th from 2pm-5pm.

Hunting photos

DUE to pressures of space this week, our popular Picture Desk featuring hunting images has been held over to next week’s issue.