Lynch to carry Irish hopes in Beijing

AS expected, Denis Lynch has been named as Ireland’s individual show jumper at next month’s Olympics.

He confirmed to Ireland manager Robert Splaine that he was the correct choice when he produced another good performance in Thursday’s Samsung Super League Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany, where Ireland finished sixth.

Lynch has demonstrated superb form this year, riding Lantinus to victory in the Global Champions Tour (GCT) grand prix at Qatar, a result that has helped put him top of the GCT standings.

The German-based Tipperary rider also notched up grands prix wins at the Super League shows in La Baule and Rome.

As regards the prospects of an Olympic medal, Lynch declined yesterday to throw hostages to fortune, particularly in such a fickle sport where horses can often dash hopes with untimely injuries. Nevertheless, if he continues his current form, he must be regarded as a medal prospect.

Lynch’s performances with Lantinus, which is owned by Swiss industrialist Thomas Straumann, has put him top of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses rankings.

The horse will go into quarantine on July 26, and will be flown to the Olympic equestrian facility at Hong Kong early next month.

Ireland has not qualified a team for the Games. However, there is speculation that Ukraine may not take up its place, with Ireland in line to take up the vacant spot if it becomes available.

In Aachen last night, Cian O’Connor rode Baloufina to third in a jump and drive competition.