O’Connor lands Beijing World Cup on a borrowed horse

Show jumper Cian O’Connor boosted the efforts of Ireland’s horse industry to break into the emerging Chinese market by winning the Beijing World Cup yesterday.

The Olympic bronze medallist was the first foreign rider to lift the top prize and he did so on a borrowed horse.

“I am absolutely thrilled to win this major event here and perhaps contribute to the very encouraging relationship which is emerging between China and Ireland in regard to our respective horse industries,” said the Meath-based 32-year-old, who flew home last night.

“The talent, enthusiasm and love for the horse was evident to see in the Chinese riders.

“These attributes can be further developed and nurtured with good-quality coaching and a long-term structure, which could ultimately culminate in these riders being on the Olympic podium themselves.”

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) chairman Joe Walsh said O’Connor’s win “enhances Ireland’s developing profile as a major sport horse nation in the People’s Republic of China. We look forward to further co-operation with them in the future”.

In April, HSI chief executive Damian McDonald was part of a delegation led by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney that visited China. McDonald said the market for Irish horses there was full of potential, but a number of obstacles needed to be overcome. Notably, horses exported to China must be quarantined in the Netherlands for 30 days, followed by a further 45 days in Beijing. Another challenge is that, at present, there is no direct flight from Ireland to China, necessitating the chartering of a plane.

O’Connor’s win came against more than 40 international competitors at the Beijing International Equestrian Club, which is under the directorship of Galway native Austin Melia.

Due to quarantine restrictions the foreign riders were allocated Chinese-based horses and O’Connor, riding Wavanta, recorded the only double clear.