Splaine predicts ‘tough’ season

IRELAND show jumping manager Robert Splaine says the coming outdoor season will be “tough”, as he tries to balance the demands put on resources by the Meydan FEI Nations Cup Series and September’s Alltech World Equestrian Games.

This year’s Meydan Series brings extra pressure, as four of the 10 teams will be relegated. This is because, in 2011, the series is being reduced to eight nations, while a further two teams will be replaced by two promoted from the second tier series.

On top of that, Splaine is conscious of the need to field our strongest team at the Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky if Ireland is to achieve its goal of qualifying for the London 2012 Olympics.

“It is great to be in there [the Meydan Series] competing, but it will be a very tough year. With the World Equestrian Games at the end of this year, we will also need to use our proven championship combinations more sparingly,” he said.

The Cork man made his comments as he announced the following squad for the opening leg of the Meydan Series in La Baule, France, next Friday: Shane Breen (Carmena Z), Cameron Hanley (Southwind VDL), Darragh Kenny (Obelix), Shane Sweetnam (Zamiro 16) and Niall Talbot (Techi d’I).

Tipperary rider Shane Breen was an obvious choice, having produced a double clear with Carmena Z in Ireland’s Nations Cup win in Belgium last weekend, before then taking top prize in the grand prix.

“Shane Breen copper-fastened his place with a top-class performance on the winning team in Belgium last weekend, while Darragh Kenny impressed at World Cup level in the US over the winter and was a member of the nations cup team in Florida in March.

“Shane Sweetnam and Zamiro have had some good results recently, particularly in the USA. Cameron and Southwind VDL are regular team members and have already competed on our nations cup team in Abu Dhabi this year, while Niall Talbot’s early results from 2010 are encouraging,” said Splaine.

Big names such as Cian O’Connor with Complete and his exciting new addition K Club Lady, Denis Lynch on Nabab’s Son and Jessica Kurten with the world-beating Castle Forbes Libertina are focused on the opening leg of the Global Champions Tour in Valencia, Spain, today, with €285,000 on offer.

They are certain to form part of Splaine’s plans over the next few months.