Irish blow as Balladeer Alfred injury forces Curran’s withdrawal

IRELAND’S eventing team competing in next week’s European Championships has been dealt a severe blow with the withdrawal of Lieutenant Geoff Curran following an injury to Balladeer Alfred.

The withdrawal leaves Ireland with just three riders in the championships, providing for no discard score.

It throws into stark highlight the decision of former performance manager Lars Christensson, backed by the Eventing Ireland board, to only send just four riders to championships, which take place in Pratoni, del Vivaro, Italy.