Twomey loses reserve place
Billy Twomey, the rider whose stunning clear round that guaranteed Ireland the Aga Khan trophy last week, has lost his reserve spot on the Irish Olympic show jumping team due to an injury to his horse 'Luidam'.
The Cork man's mount injured itself at the Dublin Horse Show, but time has failed to heal it.
"It was a quarter crack in its hoof," commented the 26-year-old, "Without the horse being fully sound, I wouldn't want to jopardise the team's chances in Athens. I'm glad to allow someone else take my place."
Chef d'Equipe Ned Campion has nominated Captain Shane Carey, from Crecora, Limerick, as the substitute.
Logistics and red tape are currently being waded through by Irish team management so the 26-year-old, his groom and mount 'Killossery' can arrive early next week.
The Irish team of Kevin Babington, Cian O'Connor, Marion Hughes and Jessica Kurten are in first round action at the Markopoulo centre on Tuesday, August 24th.
