Top eventer gives Smith a vote of confidence for World Cup qualifier

TOP eventer Sue Shortt says compatriot Steven Smith has the credentials to win the World Cup qualifier at this weekend’s Irish Horse Board Ballindenisk International Horse Trials.

The Kildare woman has had to withdraw Just Beauty Queen from the feature class after the mare suffered a “knock”, but feels a second win in a row for the Irish at the Cork show is more a probability than a possibility.

“Steven Smith is in with a very good chance. His big horse, Quality VH, has had three runs this year and two wins. It is hard to see him being beaten.” she said.