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.

But it was the Cork venue that inspired him and saw him take a big step on the road to Olympic glory, representing his country there for the first time.

“I remember going to Millstreet in 1995 when I was 15 and watching top riders John Whitaker and Gerry Mullins battle it out in the derby. I never forget, too, that Millstreet gave me my first opportunity to wear the green jacket in 1998 when I jumped the grand prix with Normandy and was unlucky to have a brick out of the wall but, in 1999, I won two classes with Lombardo.

“Since then, I’ve won the grand prix twice with Rancorrado and Ballymore Eustace so it’s been a happy hunting ground for me.”

Equine-laden lorries were yesterday pouring through the gates at the venue, which will host horses and ponies in 1,300 stables, with competition entries exceeding 8,000. Among the 90 riders from four countries competing in eight international classes for the €180,000 prize fund is a strong Irish contingent, including Nations Cup rider Capt Michael Kelly, and National Hunt jockey and this year’s Hickstead Speed Derby winner Robert Power. Guy Williams scored a hat-trick last year, but not the grand prix, and the former European team bronze medallist returns for Sunday’s €50,000 feature.

Also lining out will be 18-year-old individual European junior silver medallist Bertram Allen, from Wexford.

O’Connor stressed the importance of Millstreet in terms of nurturing emerging and grassroots talent.

“We have few international shows in Ireland and it’s important to support them. It’s a great show to give young riders an opportunity, but it is also a fantastic venue for breeders and buyers and the sector as a whole, bringing them all together in one top-class venue and giving everybody an opportunity to shine before appreciative and knowledgeable crowds.

“What I also love is that it is less stuffy than some of the other shows, so I’m looking forward to having a more relaxed time.”

Since Austrian-Canadian auto-parts magnate Frank Stronach bought Blue Loyd last December for his grand-daughter Nikki, O’Connor has become the 19-year-old Canadian’s mentor — “the best”, she said in Dublin on Sunday — and O’Connor says Millstreet will be a good opportunity for him to guide his student.

“She’s bringing three horses and, from a coaching point of view, it’s ideal for me. We will be staying in Killarney, so, in some respects, it will be like a little holiday,” said the rider.

Horses might be the essence of O’Connor but he will have plenty to distract him from next month. “Ruth is expecting our first child in five weeks and we are both very excited. I expect it will be hard for the child to avoid horses and it would be nice to think that he or she will grow up to compete at shows such as Millstreet some day.”