Further changes to Ireland’s European Eventing Squad

ELIZABETH Power has withdrawn from the Irish European Eventing Squad due to a short term injury to her horse September Bliss.

First Reserve Michael Ryan has declined the opportunity to travel to the championships due to the lateness of the call up.

However, Jim Newsam and Magennis have now been called up and Magennis is on his way to the championship venue at Malmo in Sweden with the other selected horses.

Ireland’s High Performance Manager Nick Turner said that it was unfortunate that so many of the selected horses were unable to travel but that the championships would now provide a real opportunity for new combinations.

He said tonight: “Three riders – Sarah Ennis, Clare Abbott and Jim Newsam – will now be making their championship debuts. With next year’s World Equestrian Games being our primary target it is a great opportunity for these new riders to get championship experience.”

“In addition we have three very experienced team riders in Joseph Murphy, Austin O’Connor and Sam Watson. These riders have shown great leadership in the lead up to the championships and I have no doubt they will continue to do so when we get to Malmo,” he said.

The European Eventing Championships take place in Malmo from August 29 to September 1st.