Macken makes return to scene of greatest triumphs

MEMORIES of past glories came alive at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show yesterday as Eddie Macken returned as a competitor to the scene of some of his greatest triumphs.

It was the first time in eight years that 58-year-old Macken, who is based in Canada, had competed at the famous venue where he was on winning Irish teams in the Aga Khan Trophy competition on nine occasions.

He partnered First Tedechine Sept in the Irish Sports Council Classic yesterday but it was a dismal round and he finished well down the field, having incurred 14 penalties including two for time.

Macken said earlier that returning to the RDS as a competitor after such a long absence was very exciting.

“I am really looking forward to it. I am full of anticipation. I am hoping that everything works out good for the week,” he said.

Earlier this year, the RDS invited him to compete at Dublin. This opened the way for him to compete at the top level in Europe.

Macken revealed that up to the year 2000 he had competed at 30 consecutive Dublin horse shows as part of the international team. Returning to compete in Ballsbridge was something he always wanted to do.

He said he telephoned Robert Splaine, the Irish team manager, and told him he was coming to Europe, that his horse was very good and that he was available if needed. He was included in the panel for Hickstead.

“I never for the moment thought that I would be riding in the Irish team again in Dublin. I find myself here as one of the five fighting for my place on the Aga Khan Cup team,” he said.

Macken said being part of the Irish panel again was unbelievable. He never thought it would affect him like it had.

“I am under no illusion. The body is not what it was 30 years ago but I still really feel comfortable doing it and I get a tremendous kick out of it,” he told RTÉ Radio 1.

Dublin Lord Mayor Cllr Eibhlin Byrne, who opened the show, said she was delighted Macken was competing this year.

She recalled how her daughter, Clare, as a child, attended ballet classes but preferred instead to run around the room pretending to be the show jumping legend.

RDS chief executive Michael Duffy said the society was delighted Eddie had accepted its invitation to compete again at the RDS.

“He has a great association with the show. It is great to see him here.”