FEI set to examine Going Global’s eligibility

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) yesterday listed Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global among the nominations for Ireland’s sole show jumping slot at the Olympics, but it is examining the horse’s eligibility amid speculation it may not comply with a rule on ownership.

Broderick and the gelding were the choice of Ireland show jumping manager Robert Splaine, but an FEI spokesperson told the Irish Examiner: “We are aware of a potential issue and are collecting the necessary information and will follow up accordingly.” In issuing the list of riders yesterday, the FEI said the onus was on the national federation, ie Horse Sport Ireland, to fulfil the criteria when nominating horses. The FEI pointed out that the entries list it published yesterday “is compiled based on information submitted by the national federations (NFs) on or before 20 June” adding that national federations “are responsible to ensure that horses which do not meet ownership requirements as laid down by FEI, are not entered for the equestrian events at the Olympic Games”.

Under FEI rules, the owner must be “of the same nationality” as the rider. According to the FEI website, MHS Going Global is owned by Caledonia Stables since 2012, with the Canadian-based entity referenced as being Irish.