Cian O’Connor’s improving relationship with his new horse Blue Loyd has given him cause for optimism heading into today’s $125,000 World Cup class at Florida’s FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.
The Meath-based rider and the gelding posted a jumping clear at a cost of a single time fault to be among 45 to progress to tonight’s feature from Thursday night’s 107-strong qualifier, which was split into two classes. Irish interest is strong, with Kilkenny’s Richie Moloney on Slieveanorra also through after winning Section B, with Cork’s Shane Sweetnam (Amaretto D’Arco) placing 10th, while Darragh Kenny on Wannahave finished third in Section A.
O’Connor bought Blue Loyd from a Norwegian rider in November and Thursday performance is a sign of the gelding’s growing trust in his new rider, manifested by a rapid diminishing of his previous headstrong approach to each fence.
"He’s been jumping extremely well and has been clear in every big class so far and has really settled in. He was always a very careful horse and has jumped some of the biggest courses, but he was more forward than I would have liked when I got him. I found with the classes here he has improved and in last Saturday’s grand prix, for the first time it really felt smooth and we were together, which was a nice feeling," said O’Connor.
"My plan would be to build him to the nations cup here and I would put him forward for that. Following that is the $500,000 grand prix at the end of March, with a month off for him when I get home."
Billy Twomey said in this paper yesterday that he is confident he and Denis Lynch have done enough to win two places for Ireland, though it is manager Robert Splaine who decides who goes to the London Games. Twomey said "a horse’s experience, coupled with good form in the summer, should dictate who goes to the Olympics".
O’Connor’s feelings? "After the European Championships, I asked for the selection criteria to be made public and I presume this will happen when and if the places become available. It would be impossible to plan a summer campaign, without knowing what’s required for Olympic selection."
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, February 11, 2012
