Ireland's eventing team slip out of Olympic contention

Despite another superb display from Jonty Evans, Ireland’s hopes of eventing glory were dashed yesterday on a cross-country that lived up to predictions as being a true test of horse and rider.

Evans finished the day in a creditable 16th place, but the Irish team has slipped to ninth of the 13 countries, carrying 278.40 penalties to stand more than 117 off the bronze-medal position going into today’s show jumping phase.

#TeamIreland still standing after day of 'carnage' in #EquestrianEventing. Show Jumping finale tomorrow. #TwoHearts pic.twitter.com/T7sxVFbXSM

— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) August 8, 2016