Splaine looking for solid start

IRELAND show jumping team manager Robert Splaine is not one for bombast, so it was not surprising yesterday to learn that his aims in today’s French nations cup are modest.

Not one to look into the past — shrewd, considering Ireland finished last at La Baule last year — Splaine yesterday, said neither a win nor loss figured in his prediction.

“Mid-division is my ambition. More would be fantastic ... but, on the other hand, I love to stay away from the bottom,” said the Corkman. As someone acutely aware of La Baule’s ability to question, Splaine is conscious that the top prize is a big ask.