Horse Sport Ireland announces selections for the WBFSH World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses 2020 at Le Lion d’Angers

Horse Sport Ireland have announced the combinations that have been selected to travel to the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses 2020. The Championships take place at Le Lion d’Angers, France from October 15th to 18th 2020. The Selection Committee members are Lt Col. Tom Freyne (Chairman) Janet Murray (Chef d’Equipe) and Rodney Powell.

Speaking after the selection, Chef d’Equipe Janet Murray said:

”2020 will be the 35th edition of the Mondial du Lion. Great credit is due to the Equestre OC and the WBFSH for their determination to run the event despite all the restrictions and a much-curtailed season for qualifying events. All connections of the 12 horses selected to travel are hugely appreciative of the continued support of Horse Sport Ireland. Without the normal big crowds, it will be a different experience, but I wish all our riders and horses the best of luck, I know they will do the Irish Sport Horse Studbook proud.”

Horse Sport Ireland Director of Breeding Alison Corbally said

“We are delighted that there was so much interest in participation in these Championships this year. I am particularly grateful for the generosity of our long-time sponsors and successful Irish companies, Horseware and TRM who have continued to support the selected participants in this very challenging year. While many breeders and I will be following the live streaming this year, I would like to wish everyone participating the very best of luck, successful competition and safe travelling to these prestigious young horse championships.”

The horses and riders that have been selected to represent Ireland are listed below along with full breeding details.

Six-year-old horses:
• Mike of Mourne (ISH) – 2014 gelding by Ringfort Cruise (ISH) out of Brooklyn Girl (TB) by Roselier (TB). Breeder: John McBride (Down). Owner: Jenny Smith Rider: Steven Smith (IRL)

• Designer Fernhill (ISH)[was Kilbunny MP Easyhat Trick] – 2014 gelding by Hermes De Reve (SF) out of Pleasant Star (TB) by Kasmayo (TB). Breeder: Gerard Allen (Cork). Owner: Carol Gee & Deirdre Lannigan. Rider: Frazer Duffy (IRL)

• LEB Empress (ISH) – 2014 mare by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of LEB Liath (ISH)[TIH] by Colin Diamond (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Jo Breheny (Waterford). Owner: Catherine Von Schoen. Rider: Cathal Daniels (IRL)

Seven-year-old horses:
• Shannondale Mari (ISH) – 2013 mare by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan (BEWB) out of Shannondale Maria (ISH) by Lux Z (HANN). Breeder: Martin Walsh (Clare). Owner: Sarah Hughes. Rider: Cathal Daniels (IRL)

• Hush A Bye Baby (ISH) – 2003 mare by Indoctro (HOLST) out of Rock Me Baby (AEAS) by Rock King (WNTR). Breeder/Owner: Kate Jarvey (Cork). Rider: Sian Coleman (IRL)

• Kilcandra Capitol (ISH) – 2013 gelding by Orestus (KWPN) out of Beavers Bugsy Malone [ISH] by Hallodri (TB). Breeder: Vincent Cousins (Wicklow). Owner: TruckEast Limited. Rider: Susie Berry (IRL)

• Ballybolger Lionman (ISH)[TIH] – 2013 gelding by Loughehoe Guy (ISH)[TIH] out of Showthyme (ISH)[TIH] by Puissance (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Sam Watson (Carlow). Owner/Rider: Adam Haugh (IRL)

• Sportsfield Lux Impressive (ISH) – 2013 mare by Olympic Lux (KWPN) out of RC Carel Belle (ISH) by Harlequin Du Carel (SF). Breeder: Michael Ryan (Tipperary). Owner: Sharon Power. Rider: Paul Richard Donovan (IRL)

• Ramiro Diamond Lady (aka Shanaclough Madison) – 2013 mare by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Tiereragh Lady (ISH) by Rame Z (HANN). Breeder: Padraic Gillard (Mayo). Owner: Sharon O’Driscoll. Rider: Jessica O’Driscoll (IRL)

• Global DHI (ZANG) – 2013 gelding by Dakar TN (KWPN) out of Heidi (KWPN) by Amethist (KWPN). Breeder: M.A. VAN GURP, ZWOLLE (NL). Owner: Global Event Horses. Rider: Brian Morrison (IRL)

• First Obama (ISH) – 2013 gelding by Diarado (HOLST) out of Ruskey Lady (ISH) by Rich Rebel (USA) (TB). Breeder: Mikey Kelly (Clare). Owner/Rider: Michael O’Toole.

• LCC King Jullian (ISH) – 2013 gelding by Clinton (HOLST) out of LCC Molly (ISH) by Courage II (HOLST). Breeder: Fr Simon Cadam (Antrim). Owner/Rider: Daisy Duggan (IRL)