SHOWJUMPER DENIS LYNCH has spoken out against the decision to withdraw him from the Irish team for the upcoming Olympic Games.
The 36-year-old’s gelding Lantinus was disqualified from the premier fixture in Aachen, Germany, last week after testing positive for hypersensitivity.
Lynch contends that the diagnosis was made after cuts and abrasions that the horse received in competition on Wednesday. Lantinus was passed fit to compete in the Nations Cup on Thursday, but tested positive for hypsersensitivity on Friday morning and was disqualified from the event.
In a statement on Monday, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) said it, “has decided not to proceed with the nomination of Denis Lynch to represent Ireland in show jumping in the London Olympic Games. Horse Sport Ireland has now asked Show Jumping Team Manager Robert Splaine to put forward another combination from his list of reserves.”
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However, Tipperary native Lynch contends that the hypersensitivity occurred naturally, and that, “at no stage, was there any inference from the FEI veterinary commission that the hypersensitivity was anything other than natural occurring. This is extremely important to note.”
Lynch also claimed that he has been pressured by Splaine to compete while injured in the past, under threat of losing out on the Olympics.
“Hindsight is wonderful and I fully understand if the public wonder why a chance was ever taken with Lantinus in competing in the Nations Cup on Thursday but I’d like to put this decision into perspective also,” he wrote.
“In May, having won the Derby at La Baule, I broke two ribs and had nine stitches to my head. I was advised by my doctor that I would be unable to compete for at least six weeks. However, Mr. Splaine had continued to pressurise me into riding for Ireland in the Nations Cup as the Irish team were unfortunately struggling badly.
“In the meeting today, he said he kept a spot open for me at the Rome Nations Cup. This is true and it is also true that this was 12 days after I had broken my ribs!!
“He informed me at the time that I may be jeopardising my chance for the Olympic nomination if I was not back riding in the Irish team very soon. This is a spot that I had spent 14 months competing to secure for Ireland and succeeded by finishing top of the individual Olympic rankings.
“This was important as the Irish team, of which I was also a part of, failed to secure a team spot at the Olympics.
“Perhaps (being urged to compete while injured) gives an indication to the pressure that was exerted on me in Aachen to compete in the Nations Cup with Lantinus.”
Perception
He went on to say that the public perception of him has been adversely affected by the actions of the panel that dropped him from the Olympic Games, and that he has been denied the chance to argue his case in the proper forum.
“Today, public perception was raised at the meeting by Mr. McDonald. Well, when no effort is made by the governing body to clarify matters, then naturally public perception will be suspicious,” he added.
“Finally, to top it all off, my participation in the Nations Cup in Falsterbo this week was withdrawn by Mr. Robert Splaine with no explanation provided. This raises the question as to the extent of the support provided for me by Horse Sport Ireland.
“At this stage, we are considering an appeal. However, although we have the right to appeal the decision this morning, we have been informed no appeal process is in place. This again, we find very unusual.”
Feel sorry for him.just goes to show the ineptitude of the bungling amateurs running our games.incapable of thoughtfulness and foresight and of course proper planning.this guy went through 14 months of preparation only to be snubbed by mgt due to what seems like a situation outside his control.shame
Does not really surprise me, most of those in the organisation and management of our sporting teams and athletes are inept …to be kind, just look at how they dealt with the ladies 400 x 4 team selection, and that is only one in many !
Bravo Mr Splaine, another idiot decision!
Really disappointed for Denis Lynch and Lantinus especially as the hypersensitivity was “natural” ( unfortunately a lot of horses were “doped” in the past by irritant chemicals rubbed onto their legs to ” encourage” them to avoid touching obstacles…) was this a factor in Splaine’s decision? Mr Lynch showed incredible determination and team spirit in agreeing to take part at Aachen ( brilliant result for the team) after his tumble and broken ribs at La Baule. Makes me remember similar probs with Jessica Kurten. A real chance of a medal gone. Good luck Billy Twomey!! But merde alors
Is everything in Ireland corrupt? This stinks to high heaven – Kien O Connor a proven cheat in show jumping gets into the nations cup teams and this guy doesn’t. People clap for Kien O Connor in the RDS and yet he single handily tarnished the Irish Horse industry for some time. Powerfully people in Hugh places call all the shots. I feel for this lads family and friends as it is so unfair and really Irish. He should declare for another country. Jesicca Kurtan also got a raw deal from the same people. Who elects these guys? I saw Robert Splain risk a horse at the RDS as he was chasing too hard. The horse was ruined. Cruel to people and animals.
Having read the statement on Denis Lynch’s website in full I would like now to seek some clarification or justification from horse sport Ireland especially from Mr Spiline regarding this unusual turn of events and give time for an appeal and haven’t seen the dedication of Denis I think it is unfair that he be disqualified by Horse Sport Ireland and his hopes for Olympic glory dashed I do however wish Cian o Conor the best in his pursuit for Olympic gold and also would like to see a change in selection to the chief d equip mr Spiline so that matters like these do not happen again
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Feel sorry for him.just goes to show the ineptitude of the bungling amateurs running our games.incapable of thoughtfulness and foresight and of course proper planning.this guy went through 14 months of preparation only to be snubbed by mgt due to what seems like a situation outside his control.shame
Does not really surprise me, most of those in the organisation and management of our sporting teams and athletes are inept …to be kind, just look at how they dealt with the ladies 400 x 4 team selection, and that is only one in many !
Bravo Mr Splaine, another idiot decision!
Really disappointed for Denis Lynch and Lantinus especially as the hypersensitivity was “natural” ( unfortunately a lot of horses were “doped” in the past by irritant chemicals rubbed onto their legs to ” encourage” them to avoid touching obstacles…) was this a factor in Splaine’s decision? Mr Lynch showed incredible determination and team spirit in agreeing to take part at Aachen ( brilliant result for the team) after his tumble and broken ribs at La Baule. Makes me remember similar probs with Jessica Kurten. A real chance of a medal gone. Good luck Billy Twomey!! But merde alors
The powers that be that control our olympic hopefuls have made cock up after cock up time and time again. The people at the top need an overhaul.
Is everything in Ireland corrupt? This stinks to high heaven – Kien O Connor a proven cheat in show jumping gets into the nations cup teams and this guy doesn’t. People clap for Kien O Connor in the RDS and yet he single handily tarnished the Irish Horse industry for some time. Powerfully people in Hugh places call all the shots. I feel for this lads family and friends as it is so unfair and really Irish. He should declare for another country. Jesicca Kurtan also got a raw deal from the same people. Who elects these guys? I saw Robert Splain risk a horse at the RDS as he was chasing too hard. The horse was ruined. Cruel to people and animals.
Isn’t this the same guy who was disqualified at the Beijing Olympics?
It is yes
From what I’ve heard, he’s been disqualified 3 times for the same reason. Why does this keep happening to his horses?
Having read the statement on Denis Lynch’s website in full I would like now to seek some clarification or justification from horse sport Ireland especially from Mr Spiline regarding this unusual turn of events and give time for an appeal and haven’t seen the dedication of Denis I think it is unfair that he be disqualified by Horse Sport Ireland and his hopes for Olympic glory dashed I do however wish Cian o Conor the best in his pursuit for Olympic gold and also would like to see a change in selection to the chief d equip mr Spiline so that matters like these do not happen again