Babington calls for major selection changes

KEVIN BABINGTON says he would welcome the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) taking over selection of the senior show jumping team from the Show Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI).

The Pennsylvania-based show jumping stalwart yesterday said: “I would be very comfortable with the EFI taking over selection of teams. There needs to be major change and, if that is what is required, I am all for it.” He was speaking from his base at Kindle Hill Farm, 40 minutes from Philadelphia.

Babington made his comments as the EFI awaits a response from the SJAI to a letter in which it outlines its reasons for the withholding of Irish Sports Council funding for 2006 and a €90,000 tranche from 2005.