Committee compiles Olympic selection criteria

Ireland show jumping manager Robert Splaine and his high-performance committee have compiled selection criteria to determine who will represent Ireland at the Olympics, following a request from Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).

Billy Twomey revealed in this column last week that his calculations showed he and Denis Lynch had done enough to secure two spots for Ireland at the Games.

Neither, however, is guaranteed a place, as it is Splaine who decides the rider/horse combinations with the best shot of glory. Understandbly, then, that riders have been calling for clarity as to what is required.

Splaine said yesterday he is waiting on HSI to give its approval to the criteria.

“The high-performance committee — myself, Bernie Brennan, James Tarrant and Taylor Vard — was asked by HSI to recommend selection criteria for the Olympics and we have presented these to HSI. I cannot act until these criteria are approved by HSI,” said Splaine yesterday.

“Under FEI rules, the spots revert to the country, but whoever goes, they will be picked on the basis of who represents the best chance of winning a medal,” explained the Corkman, who conceded a long-list of riders had been drawn up for the nations cup campaign, but would not divulge it.

Twomey had no doubt as to how our Olympic representatives should be decided.

“Some say whoever wins the spot should go, but a horse’s experience, coupled with good form in the summer, should dictate who goes to the Olympics.”

Previously, Shane Breen called for a level playing field when it came to selecting our Olympic hopefuls, with Cian O’Connor also vocal on the issue.

HSI last night said Splaine and the high-performance committee had met as recently as last Monday to discuss the criteria.

“After that meeting, a draft was sent to HSI’s legal advisers, who have reverted with some comments which have now been given to the high-performance committee for their consideration. It is expected that following this a draft of the criteria will be circulated to the riders in the coming days for their comments,” said HSI.

Splaine will get an opportunity to assess a number of riders with justifiable claims to be at the Olympics when he travels to Florida for the nations cup on March 2.

“We have more and more riders getting stronger in the US and it will make for an interesting show for me. I have eight riders who have made a case for themselves for selection on the nations cup team: Cian O’Connor, Darragh Kerins, Darragh Kenny, Andrew Bourns, Kevin Babington, Jennifer Crooks, Richie Moloney and Shane Sweetnam. I will have to reduce this number to six definite entries by early next week under FEI rules and ultimately to four.”

Splaine, meanwhile, is almost recovered from a broken femur sustained in a fall from a horse at his Belgooly home nine weeks ago.

“It was a nasty break, but I’m in good shape now. I intend getting back in the saddle as soon as possible... and I plan to compete again at some level this year.”

* The second leg of the HSI/Bluegrass Spring Tour takes place at Ravensdale Equestrian Centre this Sunday, with Liam O’Meara aiming to build on his victory last Sunday. The Tipp rider again lines out with the winning Mr Coolcaum, but also has Glenaguile Flight, with whom he placed third in last Sunday’s Kildare opener, and Cisero.

* A one-day “introduction to coaching” course organised by HSI takes place next Tuesday at The Paddocks Equestrian Event Centre, Midleton, Co Cork.

Those interested in taking part should contact HSI’s Catherine Farrell at 045-854512 or email: [e-mail].