No move on Ballindenisk reports
An FEI spokeswoman said detailedreports had been requested from the officials — ground juries and technical delegates — at the event. However, she said that the FEI director of eventing, Catrin Norinder, had yet to see the reports, having been in Beijing for discussions on the Olympics and, this week, at the Badminton horse trials.
The spokeswoman pointed out, though, that the officials had two weeks to submit their reports.
The third running of the World Cup qualifier at the Cork venue took place on the weekend of April 20 to 22.
Of the 32 entries that started on the Saturday, only nine opted to undertake the final phase, Sunday’s cross-country, amid fears about the going.
The organisers had used an aerating machine to loosen the ground, but many competitors felt the ground could have been watered.
Other classes at the event were also hit by withdrawals and Eventing Ireland subsequently said it would undertake an investigation and would be seeking copies of the officials’ reports.
The Equestrian Federation of Ireland yesterday said it intended to forward copies of the reports to Eventing Ireland as soon as it received them.
Speculation emerged that Ballin-denisk could be stripped of its World Cup status, but FEI secretary general, Michael Stone, said “it is premature to say the event is under threat”.
Meanwhile, in Badminton, Jonty Evans, riding Cregwarrior, is best of the Irish in joint 30th place following yesterday’s second day of dressage.
The 35-year-old, making his Badminton debut, scored 49.4 on Thursday and last night stood 14.6 off the lead set by Australian Lucinda Fredericks, riding Headley Britannia.
British-based Corkman Austin O’Connor is next best of an Irish trio at the Gloucestershire event, slotting into 41st place on the 12-year-old chestnut gelding Hobby Du Mee.
Sarah Wardell, riding Kincluny, was last night in 74th place on 66.2.
The going here is also of concern, with many riders fearful of today’s cross-country. Show jumping takes place tomorrow.
In Saumur, France, Irish dressage rider Judy Reynolds scored 66.5 with Remember to place fifth in yesterday’s Prix St George’s class.
