Kürten makes good start to World Cup challenge
Last to go of 39 starters, the German-based Antrim woman did not give full rein to Castle Forbes Libertina, coming home almost two seconds behind winner, Germany’s Heinrich Hermann Engemann on Aboyeur W in the 1.50m speed class.
Switzerland’s Steve Geurdat slotted into third with Tresor V.
Kürten is trying to do what no Irish rider has done: win the World Cup.
Two years ago, she finished second in Kuala Lumpur, matching the previous best set by Trevor Coyle in 1999 on Cruising. In 1979, Eddie Macken was joint third on Carrolls of Dundalk.
Kürten topped the Western Europe League by an 11-point margin, following wins at Olympia and Leipzig in January. Last December in Geneva, the 38-year-old won the Top 10 final and finished runner-up in the World Cup qualifier. Not surprisingly, then that she wears the favourite’s mantle this weekend.
Last night’s competition will be followed by a jump-off tonight, with the grand final on Sunday afternoon.
* IF any quality was personified by Karen Rodgers, it was “enthusiasm”.
The 41-year-old, whose death while competing at Ballindenisk last Sunday stunned equestrian enthusiasts, was rarely short of vitality.
This was none more so than when she was competing. While I dealt with Karen purely on a professional level, limited and all as it was, Karen’s love of horses and eventing was patently obvious. It also applied to her work as a TV producer for her company Panache Television.
Rider Sue Shortt was probably one of the last persons to talk to Karen, as both warmed up for the competition at Ballindenisk.
“I was devastated. She was a fabulous person and a great friend with a great sense of humour,” said Shortt, whose sentiments had a universality when it came to Karen.
Shortt said Karen “raved” about the horse she was riding, Kilcoltrim Brigade.
“We were walking around at the start and she kept saying he was an absolutely fantastic horse. She loved him.”
Ballindenisk was familiar territory for Karen, who hailed from near Liverpool and moved to Ireland in 1996. Only a month ago, Karen rode Kilcoltrim Brigade to second in a sportsman’s class at the venue.
All equestrian sport carries a risk, one that eventing has so often forcibly proved. The statistics show that in 2007, the Federation Equestre Internationale recorded nine fatalities in eventing.
In saying that, like her contemporaries, Karen, an experienced rider, was aware of the dangers.
Risk is inherent in eventing, but Shortt says riders do not dwell on it.
“We are always aware of the danger, but you don’t think about it. It is a risk you take when you compete, but you can’t dwell on it.”
Ultimately, though, every effort must continue to minimise the risk and, in that regard, it must be the priority of the investigation launched by Eventing Ireland.
Yesterday, chairman John Wright said: “Eventing Ireland’s legal advisor is assembling all the information necessary to conduct the enquiry. That information will be put before the committee of enquiry with all urgency.
“On Sunday, I was present at Ballindenisk and was asked by the Munster branch to take charge of the situation. I immediately collected the names of witnesses and nominated four technical experts to undertake individual reports.
“However, in undertaking our investigation, we have to be conscious that there will also be a coroner’s inquest.
“A main aspect of the enquiry is to ensure that the sport continues to be as safe as possible and the report and its conclusions of the enquiry will be put before the board and any action necessary will be acted on urgently.
“I have given a verbal report to the safety committee of the FEI in Lausanne and also have been in contact with Horse Sport Ireland,” said Mr Wright, who added that Karen’s loss will be acutely felt.
“I knew Karen for more than 10 years and she was a most energetic and creative person. The Trojan work she did in restructuring Eventing Ireland cannot be underestimated. She acted as an advisor to me and was always ready to give her time and was hugely supportive. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by everyone.”
* THOLM KEANE won the Guidam League title on Sunday, his lead going into the final round being too big for the chasing pack.
The Waterford rider made no impression in the final leg at Mullingar, Co Westmeath, but still pocketed the winner’s purse of €2,000.
Neal Fearon had over a second to spare in steering Teluda to victory on the day, with Darragh Kenny second on Neverland, Third for Edward Doyle on Pamela secured him the league runner-up spot.
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