Disappointment for Thornton

On Wednesday last, the FEI Tribunal announced that Irish show jumper, Kevin Thornton, was found guilty of horse abuse and will be given a four month suspension along with a fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs. Thornton will also have to pay 5,000 Swiss Francs to cover legal costs.

The tribunal stated that its findings had shown that when riding Flogas Sunset Cruise during a training session at the Hippodrome de la Cote d’Azur racetrack on 10 October: “the athlete’s behaviour went way beyond what could be considered an acceptable conduct towards a horse,” and further concluded “with confidence that the horse has been whipped repeatedly, substantially and excessively and clearly more than the three times alleged by Mr Thornton.”

Both the International Equestrian Federation and the accused rider expressed disappointment at the decision handed down by the FEI Tribunal. Meanwhile, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibanez confirmed that they considered the matter so serious as to have requested a two year suspension instead of the four months imposed.

Remembering Ned Doyle

Dedication and quiet authority are two aspects that one will always remember of show jumping giant Ned Doyle (below), who was buried last Saturday from the Church of Our Lady of Mercy near his home in Blessington.

“Ned has arrived so we can get started” was a comment heard many times every year as this master senior judge got things moving at shows around Leinster and beyond. His decisions were quiet but firm and that made for smooth running of many events over the decades.

This included his home of Blessington which became a high point on the national calendar. His dedication to the sport was and is replicated through his wife Brigid, his daughters Mary and Anna and his well known sons Olympian Jack, National Champion Edward, Patrick, Paul, Richard and Seamus. His service to show jumping extended beyond the arena to national and regional committees in which he was also a tower of quiet strength.

treble clear By MHS Going Global

Ridden by Italy’s Alberto Zorzi and watched by owner Athena Onassis, Irish bred MHS Going Global jumped three clears to come fourth in the Global Champions Tour at Cannes last Saturday. One of those clears also helped the Valkenswaard United team regain the lead in the Global Champions League as it heads for Monaco. The Cannes GCT Grand Prix was won by Sergio Alvarez Moya on Arrayan by Baloubet Du Rouet out of a Grannus dam.