Olympics spot is Splaine’s priority
It underlines the importance of the championships for the Corkman and Horse Sport Ireland, notably because it is the last chance for Ireland to qualify for next year’s London Olympics.
To even contemplate relinquishing our place in the Meydan, however, is anathema to Splaine, even if it is refreshing to hear him quantify the value of the championships in such graphic style.
“To qualify for the Olympics, we have to be in the top three of those who aren’t already qualified. This includes Germany, Belgium, France and Britain, as the host country. Not qualified are Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, all strong countries. It is doable, though, but we need to deliver on the day.
“On paper, we should be able to do it, but that was also the case in last year’s World Equestrian Games. We had a good year, achieving success at the highest level when winning the nations cup in Aachen, but, unfortunately, this did not transfer to Kentucky. The expectations were realistic, but ultimately they proved higher than the outcome.”
Could the singular focus of achieving Olympic qualification hinder Meydan performance, particularly as the last round of the nations cup series comes just two weeks before the championships, which take place in Madrid in September?
“It could well affect our performance in the Meydan. The series is important and we are committed to staying in it, but not to the detriment of our preparations for the championships. Anything that would look like compromising that would have to be seriously looked at. If it looked like it wasn’t wise, then we would have to make sacrifices if we were put in a situation,” says Splaine.
He also stresses that any strategy will, as always, involve a major input in terms of the needs of riders and their horses.
“We will have a riders’ meeting soon. A plan is being formulated and will be firmed up in the near future. Each horse has to be treated differently, so, following discussion with the riders, we will plan with regard to their needs to ensure they are given the best possible preparation for the championships.
“Discussions will take place with all riders. I have spoken to some and all of those are of the same opinion: Qualification for the Olympics is our goal. All we can do, though, is try our best and I have no intention of speculating as to the consequences if we do not qualify.”
Splaine has been manager since 2006 and recently HSI opted not to activate a break option in his current contract, meaning he is in place until after the Olympics. A few days later, this newspaper revealed that Denis Lynch had decided not to put his name forward for team selection this year, citing differences with Splaine. In the same article, he stressed his desire would always be to ride for Ireland, even if two weeks previously he had initiated informal talks about competing for Germany with the country’s manager Otto Becker. HSI responded by reiterating it was willing to meet Lynch, but the rider has not publicly revealed if he is willing to take them up on the offer.
Splaine has not commented on the stand-off and yesterday stated: “It is not my policy to discuss team matters in the media.”
Unless, of course, these matters are in a positive vein and he has no problem saying that “it is encouraging that Jessica Kürten’s Castle Forbes Libertina and Cameron Hanley’s Southwind are coming back from injury and have competed at small classes”.
A few newcomers, too, are under scrutiny.
“My job is to keep an eye on new combinations as they mature. There are a couple of combinations that are of interest and we will be giving them more opportunities to show what they can do early in the season.
“I am confident we have enough strength in depth to achieve our goals. Avoiding injury and keeping the horses fit is the main priority. For instance last year, we lost Southwind, Libertina and [Cian O’Connor’s] Rancorrado through injury. If Libertina and Southwind can come back to form, then I am up two this year and the reports are also good about Cian’s horse K Club Lady, so my team from Kentucky is still intact. I am looking at the positives, but we have to wait and see.”
As is usual, Stateside will be his first chance to cast an eye over some combinations.
“Our first nations cup is in Wellington in early March. Provided nobody from Europe goes over, it will probably be all US-based horses and riders that I will use. It is a great opportunity to see the form across the Atlantic early in the year.”
Unsurprisingly, he highlights the achievements of riders this side of the pond, particularly with Ireland boasting three at the top of the Rolex World Rankings: Jessica Kürten (11th), Denis Lynch (9th) and Billy Twomey in seventh, with the prospect of further elevation for Splaine’s fellow Corkman, following his win last weekend in the Basel grand prix.
“To have riders competing at the top of their game, with confidence, is hugely important for us and to have three riders in the top 11 is also a huge achievement and should be noted. No other country can boast that,” said Splaine.
* THE Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association (IDHBA) has established a confidential helpline for horse owners experiencing difficulty caring for their horses during the economic downturn.
The 24-hour phone number — 085 1709900 — also permits text messages.
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