Burke shines for Ireland in Aachen

MARIE BURKE, riding Chippison, proved an able replacement for Cian O’Connor yesterday when best of the Irish on the opening day of show jumping at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

The Clare rider was drafted into the team yesterday morning by manager Robert Splaine, after he withdrew O’Connor when his horse Waterford Crystal picked up a slight injury in a practice session on Monday.

Yesterday, she showed her value when jumping clear to place ninth of 116 starters to help put Ireland in eighth place in a contest that featured 25 countries.