Nations Series still on despite funding cut

IRELAND will contest this year’s Meydan Nations Cup Series, despite a 60% cut in funding by its affiliate, ShowjumpingIreland, coupled with a reduction in the Irish Sports Council contribution to high performance.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) chief executive Damian McDonald yesterday said a decision had been made to commit to the elite series, though he would not outline in what other areas cuts would, or could, be made.

“We will be participating in the Meydan Series this year. We have hard decisions to make, but we have to keep our focus on the main goal, ie, qualifying for the Olympic Games in show jumping and eventing. While some people may be pessimistic about our chances of qualifying through the European Championships in Madrid and Luhmühlen, show jumping manager Robert Splaine, eventing manager Ginny Elliot and the riders are determined, despite the budgetary cuts, to make it happen,” said McDonald.