Ireland’s Euro aspirations dealt crushing blow

IRELAND’S aspirations in the European Show Jumping Championships were dealt a crushing blow yesterday with the withdrawal of Clarion Hotels Coolcorron Cool Diamond and Roberts Splaine.

Disaster struck when the pairing fell in the opening competition, a speed class, at the show in San Patrignano, Italy.

Chef d’equipe John Ledingham said the fall was “not too bad” but it left the stallion lame on his near fore leg and he had no choice but to withdraw him.