Kürten’s return to squad a priority for Irish selectors
The 36-year-old must be lauded for being the first Irish rider to reach such an exalted position in the Federation Equestre Internationale/Gandini rankings list since its inception six years ago.
But as Kürten made her way ever upwards, each elevation brought back into focus the situation where she is not part of the Irish squad. The owner of her horses, Lady Georgina Forbes, has refused to let the animals compete for the team. It is a situation that goes back to last year and one not helped when Kürten did not get the nod from the selectors for sought-after World Cup slots.
But the possibility now that Ireland’s most in-form rider will not line out in this year’s Samsung Super League is shameful, regardless of the reasons.
As such, everything must be done - within reason - to ensure riders of her ilk can line out for their country, confident that:
1. They have the full support of the team management.
2. They are part of a team and not a group of individuals.
3. Every necessary preparation has been undertaken to ensure a chance of success.
4. Teams are selected on the basis of an individual’s performances.
Fundamentally, Kürten’s success did not come without, a plan, dedication to the cause and a super string of horses. The first two should be part of the Irish team set-up without question. Unfortunately, the third is in the lap of the gods. All, three, however, are prerequisites if Ireland is to enjoy championship success. Kürten was on the team in 2001 when Ireland won the European title. There should be no reason why she is not on the team in 2006 when Ireland line out in the World Equestrian Games
It would be disingenuous not to consider the argument that if any rider rejects the honour of lining out for their country, then they are not worthy of consideration. Pragmatism dictates otherwise in the world of professional sport.
That is not to say there is no onus on Kürten to contribute and she is on record as saying she would dearly wish to compete for her country.
In fact, the German-based, Antrim-born rider was due to line out in the nations cup in Florida next March, but pulled out in consideration of her horses.
Ultimately, however, it is the rapidly-approaching Super League where her talents will be required. The bottom line is that time is running out. It could be that the first responsibility of the new chef d’equipe, who is expected to be named in three weeks, will be to broker a peace deal between the rider and the selectors.
Meanwhile Kürten flew to Bordeaux yesterday in pursuit of more World Cup points. She presently 22 points and it is felt she would need to garner 40 to ensure qualification for the April finals in Kuala Lumpur.
The Vigo World Cup show in Spain is next on the cards with two more throws of the dice to follow.
On the basis of recent results, it would be fair to expect to achieve her aim.
* EDWARD DOYLE is the new chairman of the Showjumpers’ Club, replacing his Jack, following the club’s AGM this week.
The committee is: Sheila White (treasurer); Denis Coakley, Tom Slattery, Jack Doyle, Barry O’Connor, Joan Greene, James Kiernan, Richard Wright, Tara Dunne and Tom O’Dwyer. Maureen Bagnall remains as secretary, with David Darragh continuing as PRO.
* IRELAND’S best-known show jumping sisters, Marie Burke, Joan Greene and Sheila White, have secured the sponsorship of equine healthcare products provider Orchard Equestrian.
The deal with the Clare-based company was announced this week and the trio were glad to endorse the company’s wares, basing their judgment on first-hand experience. “We are pleased to promote a range of products that have been proven to enhance the performance, health and well being of our horses,” they said.
Orchard Equestrian supplies equine supplements, wormers and first aid products etc.
Marie has represented Ireland at nations cup level, while Joan is a former national speed champion and a regular on the grand prix circuit, winning the Super League competition at Limerick last year on Scéil Eile. Sheila is also a grand prix winner.
* CORK rider Kieran McCarthy notched up a double on his new ride Navilluso Halanta in the Winter Tournament Horse Finals at The Ballyrafter Centre last Friday, winning the 1.10m class and claiming the award for leading horse. Victory on the day came at the expense of Julie Harty with Burning Sapphire.
Fiona Dinneen replicated McCarthy’s feat in the 0.80m contest, the Ballynoe girl taking the leading horse award with Catherine Starling’s Benjy and coming out tops in the final to deny Leila Cotter on Country Venture.
Lismore’s Francesca Kelly won the 0.90m final from the front with her homebred Cancara. First to go, she kept a quick, consistent rhythm to clock 39.49secs. Clonmel rider Jennifer Lalor came close to the mark coming home in 39.93 on Sarah Morton’s Rebel Royale. American-born, Cork-based Christine Hyde picked up the leading horse award with her grey Sapphire Blue.
Julie McHugh, from Araglen, also played follow the leader with her rivals. Drawn first of five for the 1.00m final jump-off, she steered Sean Moher’s Oxo to a comfortable win. Sinead Dahill, Glencairn, was quick enough on PadJoe only to be thwarted by the last pole to place second. Her sister Pauline had the leading horse with the coloured Waterloo Lass.
The plaudits in the 0.70m final went to Cork’s Claire Brazil on Holly Hunter, with Sarah Crilly runner-up on Cupid. Martina Raher took the leading horse title with Quicksilver.
