Cian O’Connor: Dream ain’t over yet

Show jumper Cian O’Connor yesterday declared that “the Olympic dream ain’t over yet, by any means”.

He was referring to Horse Sport Ireland’s continuing efforts to secure a team place in next year’s Games, following the dismissal of two appeals at the European Show Jumping Championships over faults incurred byO’Connor when a steward ran in front of him as he approached a fence on Good Luck near the end of what had been a spectacular round.

The four faults that resulted when he knocked the fence in the second round of Friday’s nations cup saw Ireland denied a place in next year’s Olympics, losing out by just 0.38 penalties to Spain.

Horse Sport Ireland’s is due to take the case to the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) tribunal. If unsuccessful, the national governing body is expected to present its argument that it was denied justice to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

O’Connor opted not to compete in yesterday’s individual final at the European Championships in Aachen, Germany, explaining: “With the four faults still standing following Friday’s incident in the second round of the nations cup, I feel [that being] in 21st place, it’s a long way to climb back. It’s been a dramatic week, but the Olympic dream ain’t over yet, by any means.”

O’Connor was on course for a clear round on Friday, with Good Luck making nothing of the tough course. However, as the Olympic bronze medallist turned to the last line of fences, a steward ran in front of him, then leapt into a flowerbed in a bid to get out of the way.

It was obvious that O’Connor was distracted, with the result he knocked the next fence, leaving Ireland on 25.96 penalties after three days of competition, just 0.38 penalties behind Spain, who earned the last of three Olympic places on offer. O’Connor was furious at the end of his round, gesticulating and pointing in the direction of the steward.

However, two appeals by the Meath-based rider and Horse Sport Ireland were rejected, with the FEI, in a statement, explaining: “The protest was heard by the Ground Jury, who ruled that as the athlete had continued his round, they saw no reason to stop him by ringing the bell. Under Article 233.3 of the FEI Jumping Rules, the athlete had the opportunity to stop voluntarily due to unforeseen circumstances beyond his control, however he did not do so.

“The Ground Jury heard explanations from [Ireland manager] Robert Splaine and Cian O’Connor, reviewed video footage of the incident, and ruled that the result would stand.

“Having been notified of the Ground Jury’s decision, the Irish chef d’equipe and the athlete promptly appealed the decision to the Appeal Committee. However, after a further full review of the incident, including hearing statements from all parties, the Appeal Committee ruled that the athlete had been given a full and complete right to be heard and stated that it would not overrule the Ground Jury on a field of play decision. As a result, the Appeal Committee rejected the appeal and upheld the Ground Jury decision.”

HSI chief executive Damian McDonald said every option, up to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, would be considered.

“We are very proud of the Irish team’s performance at the European Championships in Aachen. As regards the incident where an arena official crossed Cian O’Connor and his horse Good Luck’s tracks causing interference, we will be examining all of our options provided for within the rules of the international governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), including a potential appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).”

Yesterday’s individual final saw Bertram Allen (Molly Malone V) add four and a single time fault to his tally to finish in 16th place, while four faults in each of the two rounds for Denis Lynch (All Star 5) saw the Tipperary rider place 17th.

Greg Broderick (MHS Going Global) did not compete in yesterday’s decider.

Jeroen Dubbledam (SFN Zenith NOP) picked up his second gold medal, having helped the Netherlands to victory in the team contest on Friday.

Meanwhile, yesterday’s TRM/Horseware Premier Series grand prix final at the Meadow’s Equestrian Centre in Armagh was postponed until today, due to the inclement weather.