No response to showjump grievances

EDWARD DOYLE, one of the riders involved in a row with the Show Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI) over the sacking of Olympic team trainer Eddie Macken, last night said he was disappointed at the lack of official response to a letter outlining their grievances.

Doyle was among a group of top riders who this week demanded Macken’s re-instatement and the resignation of the SJAI selectors and team chef d’equipe Tommy Wade. On Tuesday, the selectors sacked Macken, citing a conflict of interest between the Canada-based former show jumper and Wade and a run of poor Nations Cup performances.

Initially, seven riders signed a letter sent to SJAI chairman Charles Hanley, selectors committee chairman Peter Leonard and the Equestrian Federation of Ireland. The seven were last night confirmed as Billy Twomey, Dermot Lennon, Jessica Kurten, Marion Hughes, Peter Charles, Edward Doyle and Harry Marshall. Two unsigned names on the list included Kevin Babington, who is thought to have signed yesterday.

The other, Marie Burke, however, was last night said to be “shocked” that her name was on the list, her family saying she was unlikely to sign the letter.

Meanwhile, chairman of the selectors Peter Leonard had no comment to make last night.