O’Connor determined to scale the heights at Dartfield
The Worcestershire-based Corkman will compete three horses at the Irish Examiner sponsored event, the west’s first three-day international.
“I’ve never been to Dartfield, so it’s a case of going into the unknown. But, I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said O’Connor.
A winner in Blarney, in 1997, O’Connor said Dartfield could gain a good reputation over the next number of days.
“Obviously, it’s going to take year or two to get established. Outside of Ireland it’s not known, so a lot will depend on reports this week, but if it’s half as good as Blarney, we will be delighted and it will be well worth the trip,” he said.
Competitors from Britain, France, Austria and Switzerland will line up to take on the strong home challenge, which includes Neilius O’Donoghue (Skibbereen Eagle) and Paul Dempsey (Pepe Le Peu).
O’Connor’s main mount this weekend will be Swynnerton, with whom he will tackle the CCI two-star.
The eight-year-old placed seventh in a competition in England recently, but Dartfield will be a step up in class.
“It’s his first CCI two star, so, while it’s a new challenge, it’s part of a natural progression,” said O’Connor.
“I have three nice horses and will be trying hard. Ultimately, though, the main thing is that it is a good competition for them,” said O’Connor, who is trying hard to put the death of his top horse, Horseware Fabio, in the European Championships at Punchestown behind him.
This week the Sydney Olympian also lines up in the one-star with two horses, Horsewareable, a seven-year-old by Baron de Chantepie and Red Baron. Joining them in Galway are approximately 120 other equines.
Event director Liam Murphy is in confident mood.
“Last year, we had a national three-day event, but, to bring it up to international standard, we have made a few modifications and added extra fences.” he said, referring to the cross-country course designed by world-renowned Tommy Brennan.
Riders will tackle what Murphy described as a “bold but fair” track on Saturday, but only after having completing their dressage test on Thursday and Friday. The event concludes with the show jumping phase on Sunday.
