EFI finally forward prize money to riders
The Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) yesterday confirmed they had forwarded the money to the riders, having received it from the Spanish organising committee.
As revealed in this paper last week, cheques for prize money totalling
57,134 sent to the EFI by the Spaniards bounced. The organising committee, Jerez 2002 WEG, cited cash-flow problems for the subsequent delay issuing the money.
However, neither gold medallist Lennon nor Charles could confirm yesterday they had received their winnings. Assuming the money was in the post, the taciturn Lennon would only say: "All's well that end's well".
Speaking from France, Charles praised the EFI for its efforts. "Our own federation were very good and did every conceivable thing to get the money."
However, he criticised the world governing body, the FEI, for their handling of the affair. In particular, he noted its claim that they were not responsible for the payment of the money in the event the organising committee defaulted.
"It is up to the FEI to pay the money, as they allocated the games to the Spanish," said the Hampshire-based member of Ireland's European gold medal winning team.
With the games having a history of financial difficulty, the FEI is reported to be insisting the prize money be deposited in a separate account before future games begin.
World champion Lennon was owed 23,714 in winnings, while team-mates Kevin Babington and Peter Charles were due 16,722 each for their contribution to the team's seventh-place finish. Eventer Jane O'Flynn earned 476 after finishing best of the Irish in 20th.
NEGOTIATIONS to sell the eventing horse Don't Step Back to an American buyer have broken down.
According to owner Joe Savage, agreement on the sale of a major share in the Step Together gelding was agreed with the American, a world-renowned eventer, just after Christmas. He said some minor elements had to be concluded, but the deal subsequently went sour.
"We had come to an understanding, with me retaining a share in the horse, just after Christmas. There were a few minor details to be ironed out and I was giving it very serious consideration," said the Corkman.
"But, when he came back a few weeks ago, he tried to move the goalposts and started playing hardball, which was unacceptable," said the chairman of the Munster region of Eventing Ireland.
While Savage said his door was still open, he could not say if the prospective buyer would try to re-enter negotiations. "Whether he comes back or not I cannot say. I cannot see into his mind, but the ball is in his court and I will not be phoning him."
Savage also confirmed he had rejected as unworkable proposals by local woman Naomi James to syndicate the horse. James had entered the equation in a bid to keep the horse with Patricia Donegan, who has ridden the big grey from the outset.
"I couldn't agree with the terms outlined, so I pulled the plug," said Savage. "I appreciate that Naomi's efforts were genuine and I am always willing to listen to alternative proposals.
"At the end of the day, I would like to realise some of my investment, but if it doesn't happen, so be it."
"I am absolutely delighted that Don't Step Back and Trish are going to be campaigning for the foreseeable future," said James. "I wish all concerned the best possible success in the future."
Meanwhile, Savage and Donegan are forging ahead with their campaign plan for the year, culminating with, if selected, participation in the European Championships in Punchestown next September. Badminton, in May, is also being pencilled in, but Savage concedes they are fighting an uphill battle to gain entry to the British showcase with the organisers applying strict entry criteria this year.
THE Show Jumping Association of Ireland will have a new chairman from next Tuesday. The national executive will meet on Tuesday at the Farm Centre and decide on who will replace Tony Hurley.
The Corkman has been chairman of the association for the past three years, the maximum time allowed under SJAI rules.
As of yesterday Galwayman Charles Hanley is the only person going forward for the position, according to SJAI office manager Gerry Traynor.
A number of important issues will face the current SJAI vice-chairman if, as expected, he is elevated to the chair.
Notably, he and his executive will have to source a new CEO and head office for the association. The imminent setting up of a new umbrella body for equestrianism will also be foremost on the executive's 2003 agenda. Kerryman Pat Duggan, who recently said he was considering challenging for the chairmanship, revealed this week he had decided against doing so.
THE appeals committee set up by the SJAI to resolve the dispute over last year's Kerrygold Grand Prix League held its first meeting last Monday.
The four-man committee plus a chairman, whose vote will come into play in the case of a tie agreed a format for carrying out the appeal.
Conor Swail disputes that Francis Connors is the league winner, saying that a show was added to the calendar without his knowledge. The committee will meet again on February 6.
THE appointment of Paul Byrne as chairman of Dressage Ireland was announced at the organisation's AGM last Monday.
A native of Dublin, Paul is a former showjumping and eventing competitor. In addition to being regular participant in dressage events over many years, he was also an SJAI course builder. He has held the post of chairman of the South Leinster region and that of vice-chairman of the Eastern Region of Dressage Ireland.
Paul is currently the chairman of the Dressage Ireland national championships committee, which is charged with running the largest dressage event in the country and he is a serving board member of the organisation. He retired from TCD last year after 33 years in the chemistry department.
