Babington calls for major selection changes
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.
Babington was a member of many victorious Irish teams, but became the forgotten man last year. He was forced to watch from the sidelines as controversy engulfed Irish international show jumping when his top ride, Carling King, suffered a hoof injury that has kept it out of action for nearly a year.
While Babington was not in the thick of the fray last year, the Carrick-on-Suir native is confident he and Carling King will be back to their best in 2006 and the 37-year-old is adamant that change is required in the team selection process.
“I was out of the action last year and was not involved. But it is obvious that there needs to be major changes,” said the 2001 European team gold medallist. “The process that was in place last year obviously did not work. Change is required and soon so preparations can be made,” said Babington, with one eye on the rapidly approaching 2006 Samsung Super League and the other on Ireland’s last-gasp effort in the Barcelona final that saw the riders battle heroically to avoid relegation.
The decision in the run-up to Christmas by the EFI to withhold funding came as a shock to many. In a letter penned by EFI secretary general Dan Butler on behalf of EFI president Charles Powell and addressed to SJAI chairman Charles Hanley, the EFI outlined events it felt brought the sport into disrepute last year. In withholding State funding, the EFI demanded that an independent process be started to find a director general, after the SJAI opted not to extend Robert Joyce’s contract. The EFI also said the process of selecting a chef d’equipe for the senior team be recommenced. Ironically, Hanley said the SJAI had held back from signing a contract for the position with Robert Splaine at the request of the EFI, despite reaching verbal agreement on terms with the Corkman.
Babington yesterday said he could see no reason why Splaine should be chef d’equipe. However, he feels John Ledingham is the ideal candidate. Splaine emerged over Ledingham as the choice of a group of riders who met last year, but Babington, who was not at the gathering, differed.
“I like Robert. He’s a good horseman. I’ve ridden on many teams with him and I think he could be good as chef d’equipe. But, personally, I think John Ledingham is made for the job,” said the show jumper, who finished best of the Irish in the Athens Olympics, ultimately placing equal fourth, following the disqualification of Cian O’Connor
A spokesperson for the SJAI could not be contacted yesterday, but it is fair to say many will bridle at Babington’s comments.
Meanwhile, the Tipp rider said Carling King is on track for a return to top-class action and he leaves tomorrow for the high-calibre Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.
“He had severe bruising of the foot and it took longer to repair than we expected. But he is 100% now. He is in full work and doing great. I will probably jump him in the big classes at the end of February and give him a few leg-up classes in the run-up,” said Babington of the 14-year-old gelding, who suffered his injury in Florida last year.
“My goal is to return to nations cup competition in Europe this year. I’d love to get some results in Florida and work from there.
“I missed almost all of last year, but I was travelling to Europe for five years and, while my absence was enforced, it proved timely,” said Babington, explaining that it allowed him time to focus on developing his business and concentrating on family matters, pointing out that he has built a new home and has a three-month-old girl to keep him, his wife Diane and first daughter company.
Without detracting from the probability that Carling King has a lot more winning in him, it would be fair to say the horse is entering the latter stages of his career.
Babington, however, has a couple of possible replacements. In Candelleto IV, he feels he has a likely candidate for the job.
“I have him for a year and bought him from [American rider] Margie Goldstein-Engle. He was a little bit temperamental when I got him, but he’s all ability and very scopey,” he said of the 16.3hh nine-year-old bay gelding Holsteiner.
“He finished up last season quite good and I expect him to do well in Florida. He has the potential to be a replacement for Carling King.”
Another showing promise is Naranco. Rising 10, he was bought by a US dealer for his wife, but proved a little too strong.
“I will use him for the Friday grands prix in Florida. He’s brown and stands 16.1hh. He’s very careful and scopey. He can be a little bit particular, but he’s a good horse.”
A big loss to Irish show jumping last year, many hope 2006 will see Babington back on this side of the Atlantic. Florida in the next few weeks will be a good indicator of his travelling plans.
* CIAN O’CONNOR finished third in the first of the grands prix in Mechelen, Belgium, last week, in what proved his only notable result.
The Meath-based rider’s produced a double clear on Irish Independent Echo Beach. One of 14 through to the jump-off, he finished almost a second off the pace in a competition won by American Peter Wylde on Quo Vadis.
In the World Cup qualifier, O’Connor had two down in round one with the mare and opted to retire.
* CARBERY Pony Club will hold a showjumping league next Sunday, and continuing on January 15 and 22, at West Cork Equine Centre, Kilbrittain. Further details at 023-49887 or 023-43366.
