Athens ready for the horses

Irish equestrian Chef d' Mission for our Olympic squads Comdt. John Ledingham has been in Athens for the past 12 days and he reports that the facilities awaiting our horses and riders are second to none.

"The arena is brilliant, stabling is top notch and every effort is being made to limit the effect of heat on the horses". he says.

Ireland's eventing team flew out last week and the show jumpers on Monday of this week. In a very nice touch our equestrians led in Ireland's overall group of participants in the Games. Event rider Niall Griffin, from Co. Wexford, who celebrated his 27th birthday the day before the ceremony, was elected to carry the Irish flag, a task Lt Col. Gerry Mullins fulfilled in Los Angeles.

Eventing action at the Games has been going on since Saturday last. Our show jumpers take to the arena for the first time today (Thursday) in a Training Session. From here on the schedule is as follows:-

• Saturday August 21: first veterinary inspection

• Sunday 22: first individual competition 9.00 a.m. - 12.45 p.m.

• Tuesday 24: Team Competition and 2nd. Individual qualifier first round 9.00 a.m. - 12.45 p.m.

• Second round 8.00 p.m. - 11.40 p.m.

• Team Medals Ceremony 12.00 p.m.

• Next Thursday 26: second veterinary inspection for show jumping horses

• Friday 27: Individual Final Round A - 4.00 p.m. - 6.15 p.m.

• Round B - 8.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.

• Individual Medal Ceremony - 9.50 p.m.

(The times above are at Athens time allow a two hour difference)

Our show jumping team is Cian O'Connor (Waterford Crystal); Marion Hughes (Heritage Fortunus); Jessica Kurten (Castle Forbes Maika) and Kevin Babington (Carling King).

Cian was unfortunate to have his car, cash plus his riding jacket and hat stolen from his home at Rathoath Co Meath just before he travelled out to the Games. It this was not bad enough, the team learned that their reserve rider Billy Twomey with Luidam, heroes of the Aga Khan, had to pull out of the squad due to problems with Luidam.

He will be replaced Army rider Capt. Shane Carey and Killossery. As we went to press Shane and Killossery were winging their way to Athens and could be called upon up until one hour before the start of the first individual competition on Sunday.