Big decision for Lynch ahead of Qatar assignment
There would be much interest in seeing the former, his potential mount if the Tipperary rider is selected to be one of Ireland’s two Olympic representatives, but Lynch was not ready to divulge anything.
“I’ll see how both horses are going before I make a decision as to which I will jump. It’s the first outdoor show, but both are in good form, with Lantinus placed in the World Cup in Gothenburg, while All Inclusive was eighth in the grand prix in Dortmund,” Lynch said.
It is worth noting that Lantinus carried him to victory in 2008, though All Inclusive has also shown form in Doha. Last year, Lynch and the 13-year-old gelding placed best of an Irish quartet when coming fifth, though only because he picked up a single time fault in each of the opening two rounds. Yesterday, the pair jumped clear in a speed class, in which Billy Twomey and Romanov finished fourth. The latter is also listed with Tinka’s Serenade, with Mark McAuley (Loriot and Par Trois) also expected to line in tomorrow’s grand prix, which offers prize money of €450,000. This year’s GCT boasts an expanded calendar of 13 events, concluding in Shanghai, China.
lHorse Sport Ireland (HSI) has again kicked to touch with the Sia Group report into last September’s disappointing performance at the European Championships.
The board met on Wednesday but, in a statement yesterday, a HSI spokesman said no date had been fixed for the report’s publication, as the show jumping high-performance committee and team manager Robert Splaine should have the opportunity to consider it first.
It is difficult, however, to comprehend that, almost seven months after the European Championships, while the report is complete, according to HSI it has not been printed and the board has yet to get a copy.
HSI yesterday denied it has reason to fear publication of the report, though, four weeks ago, it said the report “may not now be made public until after the Olympic Games”.
* Dermott Lennon has won a place in this month’s World Cup finals alongside Denis Lynch.
Lennon was not among the top 18 to qualify from the Western European League, but has acquired a slot following the withdrawal of the Britain’s Nick Skelton, Scott Brash and Ben Maher. The Co Down rider confirmed yesterday that he had accepted an invitation along with Mikael van der Vleuten (Netherlands), though Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum is unable to take up her invite, with Belgium’s Rik Hemeryck going instead.
The final takes place in ’s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, on April 19-22.
* Horse Sport Ireland chief executive Damian McDonald yesterday said it was unfortunate that the Department of Agriculture’s new premises registration requirements had been announced at a time when there was a lot of public opposition about registering for the household charge and septic tanks.
He nevertheless urged horse owners and keepers to register their premises, saying it would benefit the sector.
“If there is a disease issue, the Department will notify registered premises owners in the case of a problem, so it is important to be on the list so you will be notified and can take appropriate measures to protect your horses,” he said.
Under the statutory instrument announced last month, horse owners and keepers are required to register all premises with the Dept of Agriculture before May 1.
This week a delegation led by McDonald and including Belle Balding (IPC), Orla Griffen (SJI), Michael Hughes (ISA), David Lalor (HAI) and Linda Young (AIRE), met Dept of Agriculture officials to clarify how the new requirements would apply to the organisers of shows and events.
“There was particular concern in relation to events where horses cross farmers’ lands and whether these farmers would need to register their premises. The Department made it clear that this was not required,” said McDonald, who added that HSI supported the initiative.
Registration forms are available on www.agriculture.gov.ie or from at local district veterinary office.
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