FOUR jumping clears from Ireland’s eventers in yesterday’s cross-country phase at Hong Kong moved them up two places to eighth in the 11-country competition.

Ireland’s equestrian eventing team are up to eighth after an improved showing, with the pick of their individuals Louise Lyons in 35th place.

IRELAND’S eventing high performance coach Ginny Elliot put a brave face on Ireland’s Olympic prospects after the team finished the dressage phase 10th of 11 teams in Hong Kong.

Horse Sport Ireland coach Ginny Elliott was still optimistic this morning about Ireland's hopes after the dressage phase of the Three Day Event in Hong Kong left the team in tenth place of eleven teams competing.

If first impressions count, the Hong Kong Jockey Club is off to a good start as far as Olympic event rider Captain Geoff Curran is concerned.

IRELAND’S joint second place in the opening leg of the Samsung Super League was as good as could be hoped for, but the fact it was shared with Switzerland and the US dented the value of the performance in terms of points gained.

SHOW jumper Denis Lynch won the grand prix at the Samsung Super League Show in La Baule, France, yesterday, bringing the curtain down on a great weekend for the Irish.

IRELAND’S hopes of achieving an Olympic qualifying place at the European Championships in Rome were dashed on Saturday when Sally Corscadden, riding Millridge Kalmar, retired four fences from home during the cross-country phase.

AS Sally Corscadden led off the three-rider Irish eventing team at the European Championships in Rome yesterday, moves to achieve “positive change” were underway back home.

IRELAND’S eventing team competing in next week’s European Championships has been dealt a severe blow with the withdrawal of Lieutenant Geoff Curran following an injury to Balladeer Alfred.

SACHA PEMBLE ended a 20-year drought for Irish eventing yesterday when she won the feature three-star class at the Punchestown International Horse Trials.