Turner announces Senior Irish Eventing Squad for Europeans

EVENTING High Performance Manager Nick Turner has named the six combinations that will represent Ireland at the European Eventing Championships in Malmo from August 29 to September 1.

The squad in alphabetical order is:

Aoife Clark/Master Crusoe (owned by Lily White Syndicate)
Jonty Evans/Double Dutch (owned by Otto van der Wyck)
Joseph Murphy/Electric Cruise (owned by Noel Good & Jill Andrews & A. O’Callaghan & Michelle Nelson) or Sportsfield Othello (owned by Jill Andrews & FFS Syndicate)
Elizabeth Power/September Bliss (owned by Margaret Power & Robert Power)
Austin O Connor/Ringwood Mississippi (owned by Kate Jarvey)
Sam Watson/Horseware Bushman (owned by John Watson, Julia Watson & Tom MacGuinness)
Reserve : Sarah Ennis/Sugar Brown Babe (owned by Miriam Cunning)

Speaking after the announcement Nick Turner said. “Aoife and Master Crusoe were excellent at the Olympics and Badminton. The horse has not run in recent weeks due a foot abscess but will run before the championships.

“Jonty and Double Dutch had very consistent 3 star form in the past year. They were also very strong around a difficult 4* in Luhmuhlen this year.

“Joseph Murphy is selected with Electric Cruise who was excellent at last year’s Olympics and again at Aachen this year. In addition, I have listed Sportsfield Othello who was very good at the 4* in Luhmuhlen this year.

“Elizabeth and September Bliss were very good at Badminton earlier this year and more recently at Camphire this weekend.

“Austin and Ringwood Mississippi put in a very impressive performance at the 4* event in Kentucky this spring and a good run at Aachen.

“Sam and Horseware Bushman were very solid on all 3 phases at Badminton and again at Camphire this weekend.

“Overall I think it’s a strong squad. I have had great co-operation from the riders since I started in the role. I would like to thank them all and just as importantly the owners of all of the elite horses for their continued support.

“Obviously, I had to make a few difficult phone calls in the last few days but we are working towards WEG next year and many of those who didn’t make it are very much in my plans for next year.

“I would also like to thank the dressage and Show Jumping Coaches Terry Boon and Ian Fearon and Team Vet Marcus Swail as well as HIgh Performance advisors Jean Mitchell and Jessica Harrington for their support along with the other members of the High Performance Committee,” Turner said.

“Our goal going to Malmo is to win a team medal. Whilst I am conscious that Malmo is not an Olympic qualifier, it is still a very important competition,” he added.