Kate Kerr-Horan switches to Lykkebo’s Don Akino for Paris after Serafina T setback

1 August 2024; Team Ireland complete as athletes for Para Equestrian, Para Triathlon and Para Rowing are unveiled at the RDS in Dublin. Paralympics Ireland athletes will compete at Paris 2024 this summer from August 28 – September 8 #TheNextLevel | #Paris2024 | #TeamIreland. Pictured is equestrian Kate Kerr Horan. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***

Kate Kerr-Horan will compete at the Paralympics in Paris on reserve horse Lykkebo’s Don Akino as her original selection Serafina T was ruled out after suffering a minor setback while preparing for the Games.

Lykkebo’s Don Akino was selected as Kerr-Horan’s reserve mount having met the requirements to compete in Paris and will take Serafina T’s place in Paris.

Team Ireland Para Dressage Chef d’Equipe Debora Pijpers said: “While we were disappointed for Kate and particularly for Serafina T and her connections, Lykkebo’s Don Akino has been in great form and is a fantastic substitute for Kate to compete with in Paris.

“Serafina T has a small injury and will be fine, but we always think of the horse’s welfare in these situations and we must do right by the horse by not rushing the recovery – thankfully for Kate, she was on the reserve list with Lykkebo’s Don Akino and she will still get to compete on the biggest stage.

“It is Kate’s second Paralympic Games, having competed in Tokyo, and she will no doubt do another fantastic job with Lykkebo’s Don Akino.”