Punchestown has potential to be one of top equestrian/agricultural centres
Most politicians indulged in a blame game, scoring points against Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy, Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh and the Government at large.
Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte a member of the PAC was one of the many using the report as a riding crop to beat the Coalition, labelling Punchestown as just a "pony centre".
While some might consider criticism of Punchestown as warranted, Mr Rabbitte's terminology will jar with the equestrian community, the inference being that a pony centre does not amount to much.
In denigrating the Kildare venue, many referred to Santa's Kingdom as being its most notable event. The PAC report found the centre was "hardly used" in its first year and that equestrian and agricultural events constituted only a third of its usage last year.
It should be noted, however, that Punchestown was unique in staging successfully a double European Championships last year in the form of the International Sport Horse Show.
This year, the organisers plan to build on that with the only Olympic-format horse trials prior to Athens. Punchestown, therefore, has the potential to be one of Ireland's premier equestrian/agricultural centres.
Yesterday Punchestown course manager Dick O'Sullivan took a pragmatic view, preferring to look to the future and not to ponder on the rights and wrongs of history. "My view is that the centre is there and it is up to our team to make the most if it. I see it as a very good additive to the racecourse and it's very adaptable," he said.
"The management team have concentrated on making the place a success, to use it to its ultimate potential and that is what we have done."
The Kerryman firmly believes the taxpayer can benefit from McCreevy's largesse and every effort should be made to maximise its use for the country's benefit. Accordingly, he said the centre would be made available at a limited cost for agricultural and equestrian events, while events such as Santa's Kingdom and concerts should subside these.
Asked if the criticism of Punchestown was warranted, he conceded that there was scope for greater use, but said: "A lot of people pick on the negatives. I'm not suggesting what happened is right or wrong, but managing in that kind of atmosphere is difficult."
DERMOTT LENNON almost added another 'world' title to his tally but had settle for second best when beaten by Robert Smith in Sires of the World class in the world cup at s'Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.
The Dutch-based world Champion, riding Lareina Z, finished in 42.41 seconds, but saw the Briton come home in 33.93 to claim the title.
Dressage rider Yvette Truesdale's mare Wishful Thinking won all of the nine classes they competed in on the Spanish Sunshine Tour.
The string of victories came at advanced medium level against top international riders over three weekends last month.
The pairing won the national championships at Cavan last year, but the Co Down rider admitted this latest achievement came as a surprise. "I could never have hoped for that, it's brilliant," she enthused. "It was the mare's first international outing and it was great the judges liked her so much. It would have been the first time top Olympic judges would have seen her. Wishful Thinking is one of the most naturally talented horses I've ridden," said Truesdale, who is qualified for Athens with her 17-year-old gelding Accolade and is battling for one available place.
FOUR faults in round one of the World Cup class at s'Hertogenbosch last Saturday saw Jessica Kurten, aboard Quibell, finish one of 16 in eighth place.
The result garnered the German-based Antrim rider just three points, to see her languishing in equal 40th place with a total of 20 points on the Western European League. With just one round remaining Gothenburg, Sweden Kurten will need to do something extraordinary if she is to qualify for the final in Milan this month.
Quibell also carried Kurten to third place in a 1.50m class, won by Robert Smith and Kalusha.
YOUNG riders and pony rider of all grades should take note of the following training dates organised by the SJAI's Cork/Kerry Branch.
The first takes place on April 12 at Woodland's Equestrian Centre, Killarney, with Tom O'Dwyer in charge of proceedings.
Three days later, Phillip Horgan will be on hand at the West Cork Equestrian Centre.
Bursary training for riders aged 14-25 will take place on April 24-25 in Millstreet, under the guidance of Ian Fearon. Those selected will qualify for inclusion in the national training bursary scheme.
Enquiries to Mary O'Riordan-Dineen at 087/4125633.
JUNIOR rider William Workman placed a creditable fifth in the grand prix at Auvers, France, last Sunday, finishing with eight faults in round two. The previous day he placed third with Le Cruise with the fastest of the four fault rounds.
CARBERY HUNT will hold a hunter trials at Templemartin on Sunday, April 18. Starting at 11am, it will include a miniature starters stakes, dressage test 18 and show jumping. Cross-country competitions will include training (horse/pony, pairs and singles), novice (horse/pony pairs and singles) and open (horse singles). Enquires: 023/44678 (evenings).
