Ireland’s 13 slots at Badminton ‘fantastic’, says Elliot

Ireland has won places for 13 horses and 11 riders in Badminton Horse Trials, something eventing high-performance coach Ginny Elliot yesterday described as “fantastic”.

The event is pre-eminent in terms of selection for the Olympics, being a four-star category, followed by Tattersalls, and will be crucial for riders aiming to cement a place in the London squad

While Elliot was delighted with winning places for at least 11 riders — and probably a 12th — she feels a greater indicator of the improvements made in the sport here over the past few years is that Ireland sought slots for 21 horses.