Ireland’s Olympic hopes dashed as Corscadden bows out in Rome

IRELAND’S hopes of achieving an Olympic qualifying place at the European Championships in Rome were dashed on Saturday when Sally Corscadden, riding Millridge Kalmar, retired four fences from home during the cross-country phase.

With Corscadden out, the team was reduced to two, thus failing to meet the three-rider requirement to proceed to yesterday’s show jumping phase.

However, the two remaining riders continued in the battle for individual honours, with Louise Lyons riding Watership Down to a creditable 20th place, jumping clear in the cross-country and adding four faults in yesterday’s show jumping to end on 87.2 penalties. British-based Corkman Austin O’Connor finished in 27th with Hobby Du Mee on 101.4.