CIAN O’Connor has purchased the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Irenice Horta from Stephex Stables.

Ridden to seventh place individually at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon by Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca, O’Connor is aiming the Vigo d’Arsouilles mare at the European championships in Rotterdam next season, where Ireland will be chasing Olympic qualification.

“Thrilled to have been able to secure this special mare and I look forward to getting to know her and aiming towards the European Championship in Rotterdam next August where Team Ireland are seeking that all important Olympic qualification,” O’Connor told The Irish Field today.

Irenice Horta was produced from her seven-year-old year by Zoe Conter, before de Luca took over this summer. Together the pair were third in the five-star Grand Prix of Dublin last August.