Row on cards as Cian is recalled
German-based Kürten was adamant earlier this year that she would not line out alongside O’Connor, following his Olympic controversy. He recently relinquished his gold medal after his horse Waterford Crystal tested positive for banned substances at Athens last year.
Ironically any possible dispute is set to take place on home soil, with both the German-based Kürten and O’Connor selected on a five-rider squad for the nations cup competition in next month’s Dublin Horse Show.
Last night, a person who answered Kürten’s phone said she was unavailable for comment.
O’Connor, when asked his feelings on the matter, replied: “I don’t want to get into that. For any sports person to represent their country is an honour and I am no different in feeling that.
"I believe we owe it to the Irish people, the sport and to ourselves to heal any rifts that may have been there and enjoy the privilege that we are being offered.”
Chairman of the selectors Taylor Vard played down any prospect of a divisive conflict.
After what he described yesterday as a lengthy meeting of the selectors, he said: “We have no argument with Kürten and we have fulfilled our role by putting out the best team possible. Considering her current form, she was our first choice.”
Also lining out with Kürten and O’Connor in the battle for the Aga Khan trophy will be Billy Twomey, Captain Shane Carey and Harry Marshall.
Meath-based O’Connor finishes a three-month ban next week. It was imposed by the International Equestrian Federation as part of a sanction following the positive drugs test on Waterford Crystal.
The ban covered international competition, but in the meantime he has dominated the IJM national grand prix league on the domestic scene.
On Friday week, he makes his first foray abroad since the ban was imposed, competing in a three-star show in the Netherlands. Following this, he competes in the nations cup show at Hickstead, England.
Meanwhile, Antrim-born Kürten will also be in action before Dublin, having been selected for the team to compete in this month’s European Championships.
Joining her in Italy on July 21-24 will be Corkman Robert Splaine, World Champion Dermott Lennon, and Harry Marshall.
