Ledingham, Splaine front runners for Chef d’Equipe post
The gathering was called by the Show Jumping Association of Ireland to kick-start a review of the selection process following a year of turmoil in the sport.
A new system for picking teams was also proposed which will be considered by the selectors and the SJAI executive before being forwarded to the Equestrian Federation of Ireland for ratification.
Selectors chairman Taylor Vard said he was “very happy” after what he described as an excellent meeting which focused on the road ahead.
“This was all about the future, it was all positive.
“There was no negativity, no high drama and some fabulous ideas emerged. In fact, it was a breath of fresh air that was badly needed”, said the Dubliner.
Vard stressed that foremost in their minds was the appointment of a chef d’equipe. He said two names had emerged at the meeting but he refused to officially confirm if they were Ledingham and Splaine. The “high drama” he spoke of was a reference to a previous meeting organised by the Showjumpers’ Club at which rider Jessica Kürten left abruptly following remarks.
Kürten was not present yesterday as she is travelling to Las Vegas for a one million dollar invitational show.
However, Harry Marshall, who along with Kürten refused to ride for Ireland this year, was in attendance. The Antrim man was one of 18 riders from 27 invited to attend the meeting at the Great Southern Hotel near Dublin Airport. The others were Conor Swail, Cian O’Connor, Marie Burke, Robert Splaine, Billy Twomey, Captain Jerry Flynn, Shane Breen, Clem McMahon, Trevor Coyle, Cameron Hanley, Dave Quigley, David O’Brien, Shane Carey, Ryan Crumley, Brian Duff, Ronan McLoughlan and Marion Hughes.
Also present were the four SJAI regional chairpersons, Tommy Dixon, Patricia Furlong, Eamonn Rice, and Pat Duggan and International Affairs Committee along with SJAI chairman, Charles Hanley.
He said: “Before heading into the meeting I would not have believed there would be such unanimity.” He confirmed a new selection system had been agreed but refused to divulge it. He said “at least two names” had been put forward for the position of chef d’equipe.
Rider Billy Twomey, who jumped a superb clear round in Barcelona recently to ensure Ireland maintained its Samsung Super League status described the meeting as constructive. The SJAI selectors will consider all the points made yesterday when they meet next Monday night. The Showjumpers’ Club have also called a meeting of riders on October 25.
