Chef d’equipe Blake picks experienced World Championships squad

Ireland’s Chef d’equipe Michael Blake has chosen an experienced quintet of Darragh Kenny, Daniel Coyle, Cian O’Connor, Denis Lynch and Bertram Allen for the 2022 Ecco FEI World Championships.

Hopes will be high for the Irish after a successful season which includes four Nations Cup wins in Langley, Abu Dhabi, Florida and Lisbon.

The championships take place in Herning, Denmark, next month and Blake said: “I’ve selected a vastly experienced team – Denis has a wealth of experience and, while Brooklyn Heights might be relatively new to him, he has been ultra-consistent and has won a Grand Prix in Rome along the way.

“VDL Cartello and Darragh Kenny are a pairing who know what it takes at this level too – Cartello was brilliant in the Nations Cup final last year in Barcelona, jumping double clear. He has enjoyed a fantastic season so far and was successful in Mexico City.

“Cian O’Connor has jumped at many, many championships and has been the highest-placed member of the team at the last few Olympic Games. He has an exciting new partnership with C Vier 2 and the pair have been clear in two Nations Cups. He is a horse who is improving all the time at the top level.

Denis Lynch after winning the Grand Prix in Rome

“Daniel Coyle and Legacy have been brilliant out in Florida and came back and jumped double clear for the team in Rotterdam at the Nations Cup.”

Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro (ISH) will also make the trip to Herning, and the pair have also shown on numerous occasions they have what it takes to make an impact.

“Bertram and Pacino won the five-star Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival earlier in the year and also in Stockholm in June so they bring top-class form and experience to the team,” Blake added.

Trevor Breen and Highland President have been selected as the non-travelling reserve and Blake added: “That really is a promising pairing for the future, he’s a very exciting horse.”

Having finished fourth in the Sopot leg of the Nations Cup, Ireland backed that up with another podium finish in Rotterdam.

Team Manager Michael Blake with the Irish team following the Canadian Nations Cup

Next up will be Hickstead before Ireland head off to Denmark for the world games, returning home for the Aga Khan Trophy at the Dublin Horse Show.

“I believe we can get a great result at the World Equestrian Games; I think we’ll certainly be in contention to win a medal,” Blake said.

“We have been building towards this and have had four Nations Cups wins. It has been a very good year so far and I’m looking forward to the team going out there and performing well.

“I must also thank our owners, for providing these wonderful horses to Team Ireland and giving us the opportunity to compete for medals at such a high level.”

Ireland team for the 2022 Ecco FEI World Championships:

Daniel Coyle with Legacy – owned by Ariel Grange & Daniel Coyle; Groom: Greg Debie

Cian O’Connor with C Vier 2 – owned by Susan Magnier; Groom: Mie Ostersen

Darragh Kenny with VDL Cartello – owned by Heathman Farm LLC; Groom: Nickki O’Donovan

Denis Lynch with Brooklyn Heights – owned by Molly Ohrstrom; Groom: Gwendoline Bellamy

Bertram Allen with Pacino Amiro (ISH) – owned by Aidan McGrory; Groom: Lovisa Munter

Non-travelling reserve: Trevor Breen with Highland President – owned by Heather Black; Groom: Katie King