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Denis Lynch rides All Inclusive in 2011. ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Lynch dropped from Irish show-jumping team for London Olympics

The Tipperary jockey has been cut from Team Ireland days after the disqualification of his horse from an event in Germany.

TIPPERARY JOCKEY DENIS LYNCH has been denied the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Olympics after his nomination to compete in the show jumping event was withdrawn.

Horse Sport Ireland has decided not to proceed with the nomination of Lynch to compete for his country in show jumping in the London Olympics.

Colin McClelland, press officer with HSI, told TheScore.ie that the situation was “unfortunate” for Lynch but will not be a major disruption for the equestrian team travelling to London for the games.

He said, “Robert Splaine (Show Jumping Team Manager) will name his replacement and it will go to the Olympic Council of Ireland but there is no time-frame being put on it.”

Lynch’s horse, Lantinus, tested postive for hypersensitivity in his legs at the Nations’ Cup in Aachen on Thursday and was duly disqualified.

The experienced show jumper released a statement on Saturday that there was no suspicion of foul play concerning the condition of his horse.

He commented, “At no stage, was there any inference that the hypersensitivity was anything other than natural occurring.”

Replacement

McClelland pointed out that was a list of show jumping reserves on stand-by and assessments will be made on form and previous event performances but added that selection of a replacement would be ‘a delicate matter’.  He said:

The OCI have the ability to reject the recommendations from the national governing body but I can’t see how they would have any further objection.

“It is their responsibility now.”

Lynch was in Dublin on Monday afternoon and learned first-hand of the decision.

He has told reporters that he will be releasing a statement on his website clarifying his personal position on the matter on Monday evening.

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12 Comments
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    Mute Aidan Kearney
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    Jul 9th 2012, 7:38 PM

    Have no lessons been learned since Cian O Connor lost the Gold medal! Dont blame the horse.

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    Mute mcgoo
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    Jul 9th 2012, 8:13 PM

    Irish showjumping is poxed

    25
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    Mute Victoria Power
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    Jul 9th 2012, 11:03 PM

    Please post a link to the statement Denis made on his web site in the spirit of fairness http://www.denis-lynch.com
    The behaviour of the HSI committee is deplorable after the dedication he demonstrated to secure an Olympic individual place. A member of the committee who decided to remove his ratification was the team vet that examined his horse 2 hours before the competition and advised team manager that the horse was sound to compete despite his concerns.

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    Mute Johnny Reynolds
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    Jul 9th 2012, 11:17 PM

    If what Denis has said is true, there is something seriously wrong going on there

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    Mute Adam Pamplin
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    Jul 9th 2012, 9:26 PM

    He shouldn’t even have figured as a contender to go to the Olympics 2012 having been sent home from Beijing in 2008 for the very same thing.

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    Mute Tony Stack
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    Jul 9th 2012, 9:28 PM

    A bit harsh, it might be naturally occurring, and its within the rules of the horsejumping body. Like the UK rule with Millar and Chambers that was overturned, the national association should not rule like this, as he was not banned by the IOC . Any thoughts on this or am I wrong?

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    Mute Johnny Reynolds
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    Jul 9th 2012, 11:03 PM

    What a joke, why would Denis risk it when he’s got one of the best show jumpin horses in the world. Surely, with the amount of money involved in horses, they can come up with a clear test for drug taking. One that shows a very clear difference between natural and artificial hypersensitivity in the horses legs. Seen as he got kicked out last time on disputable grounds, why would he try it again and risk his lively hood. Something doesn’t smell right

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    Mute Oonagh Fitzgibbon
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    Jul 9th 2012, 11:20 PM

    Disgraceful….heartbreaking for him & his team….read his statement…something v odd going on!

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    Mute Killian Maher
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    Jul 9th 2012, 11:25 PM

    Title should be “Unintroducing Denis Lynch”

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    Mute Roy Scott
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    Jul 9th 2012, 10:12 PM

    Pity, wonder of other nations have same issues?

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    Mute Matt12
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    Jul 10th 2012, 5:31 AM
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    Mute Scattered Showers
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    Jul 10th 2012, 12:13 PM

    i think there is something in the wording here.
    why use disqualified instead of withdrawn for health reasons…..
    Other questions are how widespread is the problem of horses being illegally Hypersensitive? How easy is this to administer to a horse and what are the benefits as a result?

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