Hanley hoping for change of fortune
The Mayo man saw single fences end his challenge in the opening two legs of the World Cup season, the first coming with Antello Z in Oslo, Norway, a fortnight ago, while last Sunday the theme continued with Living The Dream in Helsinki, Finland.
The Mayo man gets his third throw of the dice this weekend in Lyon, France, and it’s no surprise he’s anticipating a change of fortune.
“It would be nice to have a bit of luck. Both Antello Z and Living The Dream jumped well previously and I felt I rode well, but we were a bit unfortunate. Each time, both horses touched just one fence and they both went down. That’s the nature of the game,” said German-based Hanley.
While Hanley four-faulted in Oslo, it was good enough to earn him two points, putting him 23rd on the Western European League.
“I am disappointed to have only two points. I don’t go to shows to have a fence down, but to jump clear rounds and, when that doesn’t happen, of course you are disappointed, but you put it behind you. This weekend is new and I expect to jump clear, to think otherwise would be defeatist; it’s not about being cocky, but you shouldn’t be here if you can’t believe in yourself.”
Cork’s Billy Twomey also lines out in Lyon with Diaghilev and Ardcolum Duke.
lTeagasc economist Cathal O’Donoghue yesterday said all the recommendations in a strategy for the sport horse industry have “been agreed and they won’t change”.
He made the comment, following a meeting on Tuesday of a steering group driving the strategy, which Teagasc is compiling with the RDS and Horse Sport Ireland.
Outlining the timeframe, O’Donoghue said: “We are finalising the text and are meeting again on Dec 4. On Dec 15, this text will be put before those who contributed to the consultation to ensure nothing has been lost in the distillation. The recommendations will then be put to the Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney on Dec 19.”
O’Donoghue gave a broad picture of the strategy.
“The top heading is about improving breeding, maintaining the eventing studbook at the top of the rankings and bringing show jumping back into the top division.
“There is also a focus on institutions, which will be more effective if we can coordinate our approach.
“A key element is income generation, which would include upskilling, sales and marketing. Other areas include tourism, competition, livery yards... It is also a leisure industry and, with a turnaround in our economic fortunes, it is about being ready to capitalise on that.
“Devising this strategy has taken time, but it is comprehensive. It will cost, but we have had a number of meetings with Mr Coveney. He is supportive and I would be confident we will get funding.”
lHorse Sport Ireland chairman Pat Wall has declared Ireland’s participation in last week’s China Horse Fair “a great start”.
However, he cautioned, as many have done before, that the Great Wall will not yield up any riches in the short term.
“I spent a day-and-a-half at the three day fair in Beijing, where Enterprise Ireland had organised a large Irish stand that included representatives from a range of companies including Red Mills, Horseware, Mervue Laboratories, the Irish Equine Centre, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), along with two equestrian centres, Broadmeadows, near Swords, Co Dublin, and Clonshire from Co Limerick, both of which were marketing equestrian and language holidays. Declan McArdle was promoting the educational initiatives of Teagasc, and Elaine Hatton and Mark Bolger represented the HRI and HSI, respectively. Jack Doyle, who trains the Mongolian show jumping team, plus Sue Shortt, who trains an event team in China, and Michael O’Hagen were also present. Outside, but adjacent to the so-called Irish village, were Bucas and Botanica,” said Wall, who happened to be in China addressing a food safety conference as part of his academic work with UCD.
“Many of the other major European countries were represented at the trade fair. However, Ireland was the only country where all the companies, and individuals, togged out as a team.
“How much business results, if any, from the three days remains to be seen, though.”
lJack Ryan emerged the leading rider at another successful Owners’ Pony and Young Riders Charity Show in Millstreet, Co Cork, last weekend.
The Kilkenny 13-year-old won the 138cms grand prix on board Quantum Neo, and was also third in the Children on Horses 1.15mtr grand prix with Cavalier Teaca, along with notching up a number of victories.
Amy Reape, Sligo, won the 128cms grand prix with Heartbreaker, beating Sarah O’Donnell, Waterford, with both sharing the leading girl rider award.
The 148cms GP went to Annmarie Dunne (Dalestown Cavalier), the Young Rider 1.20mtr GP was won by Darragh Ryan (The Dubliner), while top honours in the Young Rider 1.30mtr GP went to Michael Duffy (Ciao Bella). Killian Ryan (Elysium) won the Children on Horses GP.
