Vard hopeful despite Macken’s rejection of post
Adamant that the team would prevail in the approaching Samsung Nations Cup Super League, Vard revealed that he himself would be chef d’equipe in the league opener at La Baule, France, next month.
“Eddie is not coming on board,” he said this week.
“We got word late last week. He cited work commitments. We are very disappointed for the riders.
“In the short term, we will have no official chef d’equipe,” said Vard, who added that various selectors would fill the post.
Dubliner Vard was chef at the Samsung Nations Cup show in Helsinki last year.
He said it was not unusual for the chef d’equipe to come from the ranks of the International Affairs Committee - the Show Jumping Association of Ireland selectors - pointing to previous incumbents Tommy Wade and Ned Campion.
The news that Macken had rejected the offer emerged last weekend, following weeks of negotiations. Vancouver-based Longford-born Macken was reported to have had problems with the demands of the contract presented to him.
He was offered the €100,000-per year post over fellow applicants Robert Splaine and Wade, who was chef d’equipe when Ireland had some of its greatest success.
Macken was at the centre of controversy last year, when he was appointed as trainer alongside chef d’equipe Wade at the start of the season. Three disappointing results later - including placing sixth of eight teams at La Baule - and Macken was sacked by the SJAI.
The association referred to a conflict of interest between Macken and Wade. A number of senior riders revolted in support of Macken and, with Ireland’s pre-Olympic preparations in turmoil, the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) stepped in. They relieved the SJAI of its selection duties and, with Wade out, appointed Col Ned Campion as chef d’equipe, who installed Macken as trainer.
Wade is unlikely to be appointed in the light of Macken’s rejection of the job, but Vard said: “Splaine could lead a team if he is not riding and it could be an introduction to the post for him.”
The team in La Baule is Splaine, Denis Lynch, David Quigley, Trevor Coyle and Harry Marshall. While on paper it is not the strongest line-up, Irish riders are known for their battling spirit and Vard is confident of a result that will provide a foundation for, at least, remaining in the Super League.
Splaine yesterday said his position had not changed and he would be available as chef d’equipe if he was not riding.
He referred to his experience that has seen him win at all the Super League venues except Rome, where he has not competed.
“Being a rider and a chef d’equipe is not compatible but, in saying that, I am always willing to help when I’m not riding,” said the Corkman, who has 35 years’ experience in the sport.
“EFI Secretary General Dan Butler yesterday said he hadn’t heard of Macken’s decision until the EFI was approached by the media.
“My understanding is that, due to his personal commitments, he could not meet the demands of the contract. He would have had to live in Europe for a number months during the season and, maybe when he looked at it in the cold light of day, he re-evaluated the situation.
“Of course, I’m disappointed, but this is done and dusted and it’s time to move on,” he said.
The EFI only recently restored the SJAI’s involvement in the selection process, in which the former, through Butler, plays an observer’s role.
IRELAND’S pony riders were in the ascendancy in Fontainebleau, France, last weekend, winning the nations cup and two grand prix.
In the team competition, clear rounds from David Blake, Stephen Duncan and Andrew Latta ensured victory.
Latta opened his account on Saturrday, winning the CSIOP grand prix with the only double clear aboard Edna. Blake and Silogue Darkie placed third. On Sunday, Laura Brown took the CSIO grand prix with Shamrock Shuffle.
In Sunday’s nations cup, anchorman Latta kept Ireland in the hunt with a clear in the first round on Edna. Added to a similar result from Duncan and Clogherboy Mirah, it left Ireland on a score of eight, after Blake, on Silogue Darkie, and Conor Ligget, riding Bundy, both finished with eight faults.
Going into round two, the team were level with Germany.
But Blake stormed back as opening man in the second half with a faultless round to give Ireland the perfect start. Liggett also improved by dropping just one fence in the second and, when Duncan also finished his second turn on four, Ireland were declared the winners. The team’s score of 16 saw them a comfortable eight ahead of second-placed Germany, with Switzerland third on 28.
JESSICA KÜRTEN was drawn 11th of the 41 riders in the opening competition at the World Cup Finals, which took place in the early hours of this morning in Las Vegas last night. The German based rider travelled to the notched up a hat-trick in Lummen, Belgium, last weekend.
Kürten, riding Quibell, would have been hoping for a solid start in this morning’s class, in which speed was important, otherwise she would have had a mountain to climb. Tomorrow morning’s jump-off class asks for bigger jumping, while Sunday’s final leg - the grand prix - will decide the new champion.
Kürten’s performance at Lummen would have given her confidence. Having placed second twice early on at the show, she made good on her promise when riding the gelding Laurus to victory in a jump-off class on Saturday.
But, she was only warming up and on Sunday she had wins in both the 1.30m final and the 1.45m final.
With her nine-year-old grey mare Lou Lou, Kurten came through a massive field of 105 to firstly took the 1.45m final. Victory in the 1.30m final came with the bay gelding Laurus. For good measure she also snatched fourth place with Castle Forbes Ivy, just behind third-placed fellow countryman Denis Coakley (Kilree Bennett Clover).
Ireland was also represented in the 1.35m final, where Cameron Hanley placed third with Aristo.
THE Cork/Kerry League in Millstreet concludes tomorrow after a successful nine-week run. In total, the league boasted 1,000 entries. Pony classes begin at 10.30am, with horse competitions starting at 1pm prompt. Prizemoney tomorrow amounts to just under €1,500, with prizes of horse feed also. Each league winner gets a rug, sponsored by Connolly Construction. Half of the proceeds of the league go to the Irish Red Cross. Enquiries: 087/4125633. The Munster Region of the SJAI will hold a course designing seminar in the Green Glens at 7pm tonight. Specifically for regional and assistant course builders, it is open to anyone with an interest in show jumping. Candidate International course designer James Tarrant will be the speaker.
EVENTING IRELAND has convinced former Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh to join its interim board of directors.
In his time as a minister Walsh, a keen supporter of all things equestrian, pushed hard for the creation of an umbrella body for the sport horse industry.
The horse trials governing body is in the process of undergoing major structural change, which was initiated following a poor showing in the Athens Olympics. In doing so, it is giving a lead to the other equestrian bodies.
Eventing Ireland said the decision by Walsh to join its interim board was an “endorsement of the steps taken by the membership to re-structure the organisation and create a professional, productive environment in which to re-vitalise the sport”.
The 15-person board is comprised of the five regional chairman of Eventing Ireland, Len Caskey (Northern Region), John Swanton (North Leinster Region), Ger Crehan (South Leinster Region) Faith Ponsonby (Munster Region) and Gerry Daniels (Western Region); three directors were elected on behalf of specific sections within the association, Kieran Connors (horse owners) Sally Corscadden (riders) and David Lee (event organisers/officials). The remaining seven directors are high-calibre: Joe Walsh TD, former show jumping star and now a highly-rated coach Commandant John Ledingham, chief executive of financial services company IFG Richard Hayes, Jean Mitchell MBE, and June Burgess, Gerry Leahy and Neil Morris, all with experience as company directors.
