Helen Kearney unhappy with opening dressage effort at  Paralympic Games

Wicklow rider Helen Kearney was disappointed with her opening score in the first competition of the Grade 1a dressage yesterday, which took place in searing 30-plus degree heat in the Deodoro Equestrian Arena.

The 27-year- old Dunlavin woman was one of Team Ireland’s surprise stars in London 2012 when she won an unexpected three equestrian medals - silver in the individual championship and bronze in the Freestyle and team competitions - on her grey Mister Cool.

But she is back competing as an individual and riding a relatively new horse - a 12-year- old gelding called Rock and Roll 2 - after losing Mister Cool to injury.