Joseph Murphy has withdrawn from the Irish eventing World Championships squad for next week’s event (15-18 September) in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, because his ride Calmaro has had “a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