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the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Olympics after his nomination to compete in the show jumping event was withdrawn.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.
