Felicity Ward called up to Irish squad for FEI Eventing World Championships

Felicity Ward and The Irish Sport Horse Regal Bounty have been added to the Irish Eventing squad for the upcoming FEI Eventing World Championships, which take place in Pratoni, Italy from 15th-18th September 2022.

They replace Joseph Murphy and Calmaro as Horse Sport Ireland’s acting High Performance Director for Eventing, Dag Albert explained:

“Unfortunately Joseph’s horse has had a setback in training and so the decision has been made not to take the risk and travel him to Pratoni. He is a young horse and has had an outstanding year and we will save him for future Championships. We have a great reserve ready to travel, Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty who have been really consistent this year in their performances, this is an exciting opportunity for them to be part of the World Championships squad.”

Along with World Championship medals on offer in Pratoni, the top seven teams will gain qualification for the Eventing competition at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The updated Irish Eventing squad for the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championships, in alphabetical order is:

Susie Berry with Monbeg By Design (ISH) [was Eskerhills Elixir] – 2012 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Eskerhills Lexis [ISH] by Puissance (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Fiona Molloy (Offaly). Owner: Helen Caton. Groom: Crisy Salmon

Padraig McCarthy with Fallulah (WESTF) – 2009 brown mare by Fidertanz 2 out of Devona by Di Versace. Bred by: Michael Norris, Owner: Amanda and Nicholas Boyle, Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattel and Padraig McCarthy. Groom: Jess Elliott

Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue (SHBGB) – 2009 grey gelding by Jaguar Mail out of Rock Me Baby by Rock Kind. Bred by Mellon Stud, Owner Austin O’Connor and The Salty Syndicate Groom: Francesca Denning

Felicity Ward with Regal Bounty (ISH) – 2011 black gelding by Orestus VDL (KWPN) out of Edge of Reason (ISH) by Senang Hati (TB). Breeder: Miriam De Feu. Owner: James O’Callaghan. Groom Ronan Kinsella.

Sam Watson with SAP Talisman (ISH) – 2011 bay gelding by Puissance (ISH) out of Ali Row (TB) by All Royal (TB). Breeder: Rosemary Ponsonby. Owner: Hannah Watson and Julia Watson. Groom: Hannah Watson

Non-travelling Reserve:

Michael Ryan with Barnahown Corn Hill (ISH) – 2011 brown gelding by Chinook Eclipse (TB) (USA) and out of Mats Lady (UNK). Bred by Michael Lynch Co Cork. Owners: Carol and Tom Henry