Change to major nation’s squad for eventing World Championships

Joseph Murphy has withdrawn from the Irish eventing World Championships squad for next week’s event (15-18 September) in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, because his ride Calmaro has had “a setback in training”.

Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty will take their place.

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.”

Joseph and Calmaro finished ninth at Kentucky Three-Day Event this year and fourth at Aachen, so will be a significant loss to the Irish squad.

Felicity, 32, makes her championship debut after she and Regal Bounty finished 15th at their first five-star, Luhmühlen Horse Trials, in June.

The full Irish eventing World Championship squad is:

Susie Berry with 10-year-old gelding Monbeg By Design
Owner: Helen Caton
Breeder: Fiona Molloy
Breeding: by Pacino, out of Eskerhills Lexis (by Puissance)
Groom: Crisy Salmon

Padraig McCarthy with 13-year-old mare Fallulah
Owners: Amanda and Nicholas Boyle, Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattel and rider
Breeder: Michael Norris
Breeding: by Fidertanz, out of Devona (by Di Versace)
Groom: Jess Elliott

Austin O’Connor with 13-year-old gelding Colorado Blue
Owners: rider and The Salty Syndicate
Breeder: Mellon Stud
Breeding: by Jaguar Mail, out of Rock Me Baby (by Rock Kind)
Groom: Francesca Denning

Felicity Ward with 11-year-old gelding Regal Bounty
Owner: James O’Callaghan
Breeder: Miriam De Feu
Breeding: by Orestus VDL, out of Edge Of Reason (by Senang Hati)

Sam Watson with 11-year-old gelding SAP Talisman
Owners: rider’s wife Hannah and mother Julia
Breeder: Rosemary Ponsonby
Breeding: by Puissance out of Ali Row (by All Royal)
Groom: rider’s wife Hannah

Non-travelling reserve:

Michael Ryan with 11-year-old gelding Chinook Eclipse
Owners: Carol and Tom Henry
Breeder: Michael Lynch
Breeding: by Chinook Eclipse out of Mats Lady

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Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.