Hanley Sweden-bound in World Cup campaign
The German-based Mayoman significantly improved his position in the Western European League with last Saturday’s performance, netting 10 points for a total of 24.
However, it is thought he will need 40 points to book his ticket to the April finals in Las Vegas and he will be going all out to achieve this when he enters the arena in Gothenburg on Sunday week.
A good performance there should then see him also line out in the last round at ’s-Hertogenbosch (March 22-25).
Hanley yesterday said he was delighted with the performance of the 17hh grey gelding Concept, but conceded he still has an uphill battle.
“He’s a young horse and he showed a lot of potential there for the future,” he said.
“As for Gothenburg, I always have a positive outlook and I will be aiming for a similar result as I achieved in Spain. Undoubtedly, though, it will be tough and, with a lot of money on offer, all the top riders will be there. But if I can again jump a clear round I will be in a with a shout.”
He also agreed Vigo was one of the softer World Cup shows.
“There is no such thing as an easy World Cup, but compared to some of the others, it was not as difficult. It was a decent course, but the time allowed was lenient, which helped me with my relatively-inexperienced horse. It allowed me to nurse him around a bit.”
Last Sunday’s performance saw Hanley’s give Concept his World Cup debut. The Münster-based rider was fourth to go in a 14-horse barrage and he was quite happy when the nine-year-old gelding produced a second clear. However, in such a large field, the likelihood the Irishman would slip down the leaderboard proved a reality.
Crucially, Concept will be asked to do a repeat job in Sweden, as Hanley gives his top ride Hippica Kerman a well-earned rest.
Ireland’s other representative in Vigo, Jessica Kürten, went out of contention in round one with four faults on Quibell.
The German-based rider remains on 13 points and only a top five finish in the last two rounds will allow her a chance to at least replicate her second place in last year’s final.
Meanwhile, the Federation Equestre Internationale has revised its world rankings list and Kürten has been installed in fourth position.
Last week, the rankings were published with the Antrim woman in eighth place.
* THE Cork/Kerry Branch of SJAI has had to postpone its Spring League, due to be begin at the Green Glens, Millstreet, tomorrow.
A provisional starting date of March 3 has been announced, with the finals on April 21.
The highlights of the series will be the Guidam Spring League qualifier on March 31.
Enquiries: 087-4125633
* THE annual Necarne Castle Dressage Festival has been cancelled following a mix-up over dates.
The festival was due to be held at on May 5/6, but a booking error has seen Necarne’s Fermanagh College schedule a point-to-point for the same date.
The festival has been held on the May Day Bank holiday weekend for its eight years and the organisers say a suitable alternative date/venue cannot be found.
Meanwhile, Dressage Ireland’s annual general meeting will take place on March 7 at 7pm in Lawlor's Hotel, Poplar Square, Naas, Co Kildare.
