German coach advised rider to resolve his issues with HSI

GERMAN coach Otto Becker yesterday confirmed he had informal talks with Denis Lynch about the Tipperary rider competing for Germany, but he stressed that he strongly advised Lynch to speak to Horse Sport Ireland to resolve his differences.

“He talked to me a couple of weeks ago. He asked if it would be possible [to ride for Germany], I said it is a big decision for him. When he has questions, I said I would help him. I informed my federation,” said Becker.

Asked if he had approached the International Equestrian Federation, he said: “I spoke to John Roche two weeks ago. I asked one question about the FEI and IOC rules [concerning a change of nationality]. I am on a committee with him.”