Sam Griffiths is hopeful of a strong performance after naming his first Irish team for the CCIO-4* Nations Cup in Bicton next weekend.
The new Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Eventing Manager has selected a trio with Olympics and World Championship experience blended with an up-and-coming combination for Ireland’s opening Nations Cup outing of the season.
Olympians Susie Berry and Padraig McCarthy will join Danielle McCormack as Ireland face off against some of the world’s major nations.
Berry partners John The Bull (ISH) while McCarthy will combine with MGH Zabaoine (ISH). McCormack and MGH Hildare Harlequin (ISH), bred by McCarthy, make up the trio.
Griffiths said: “I’m looking forward to it. We bring three really strong competitors on three really good jumping horses. So yeah, I’m quietly hopeful.”
After a successful Badminton Horse Trials for Irish combinations, Griffiths believes Irish eventing is in a strong position as the build-up to the World Championships in Aachen begins in earnest.
He added: “I was really happy. Because we do have stronger horses in the wings but it just showed that our riders are in good form. They did some storming cross-country rounds, which was fantastic to see, so I was pleased with how it all went.
Looking ahead to the summer, Griffiths is excited for what’s to come at home and abroad, with Aachen on the horizon as well as the Under-25 World Championship on home soil at Millstreet in July.
“Obviously the main the main event this year is the World Championships in Aachen and we’ve got to be excited by the Under-25 World Championship in Millstreet prior to that. So that’s something to look forward to and again, we’ve got some really strong riders in that area.
“We’ll keep the senior guys really trying to focus on Aachen and gettimg Olympic qualification. And hopefully a medal!”
BREEDING:
John The Bull (ISH) – 2011 gelding by Luidam (KWPN) out of Think About It (TB) by Houmayoun (TB). Bred by: James Byrne (Westmeath). Owner: Nick and Helen Caton.
MGH Hildare Harlequin (ISH). Gelding by Firkov Du Rouet (KPWN) out of Fair Dinkum II (AEAS), by Luidam (KWPN). Bred by Padraig McCarthy, owned by Anna Sims Hilditch and ridden by Danielle McCormack (IRL).
MGH Zabaione (ISH) – 2016 bay gelding by Zadall VDL out of Viancara VDL. Owned by Peter Cattell and Diane Brunsden. Breeder Padraig McCarthy