Olympian O’Connor reveals Millstreet inspiration

Olympic medallist Cian O’Connor joked yesterday that “unfortunately” he would not gain any advantage from last year’s Olympic showjumping fences at this week’s Millstreet International Horse Show.

The fences were recently purchased by organisers the Duggan family, but O’Connor said: “I won the bronze medal in London on Blue Loyd but, this week, he will be ridden by his new owner Nikki Walker so, unfortunately, no benefit to me.”

Not that he needs it. Millstreet begins in earnest today and the Meath-based rider arrives on a high, days after winning the grand prix in Dublin on the gelding loaned to him by Walker.