Disappointing start for Ireland

IRELAND’S bid for eventing glory at the Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky got off to a disappointing start yesterday.

Day one of dressage saw Cork’s Patricia Ryan and Fernhill Clover Mist finish on 58.8 penalties. Earlier, Mark Kyle opened Ireland’s challenge – which mainly centres on qualification for the 2012 London Olympics – with a performance that, on the face of it could have been better, but in fact saw Step In Time post a personal best of 65.5 penalties.

It meant Ireland lay 12th overnight of the 14 teams, with Ryan and Kyle in 31st and 38th place, respectively.