Ireland’s Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Horse Sport Ireland has announced a change to the roster of riders heading to FEI World Championships for Eventing in Italy at Pratoni del Vivaro next week. The change comes after Joseph Murphy’s horse, Calmaro, had a “setback in training”.
Acting High Performance Director for Eventing, Dag Albert, explained:
“Unfortunately Joseph’s horse has had a setback in training and so the decision has been made not to take the risk and travel him to Pratoni. He is a young horse and has had an outstanding year and we will save him for future Championships.”
Joseph Murphy and Calmaro. Photo by Abby Powell.
Taking Joseph’s spot on the roster and called up for her first Senior Championships squad is Felicity Ward, who will bring the 11-year-old Irish gelding Regal Bounty (Orestus VDL – Edge of Reason, by Senang Hati) , owned by James O’Callaghan. This pair had originally been long-listed and then named as non-traveling reserves for Pratoni. They’ve had a solid 2022 season thus far, which includes a top-15 finish in their 5* debut at Luhmühlen in June.
“We have a great reserve ready to travel, Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty who have been really consistent this year in their performances, this is an exciting opportunity for them to be part of the World Championships squad,” Dag Albert said.
The updated list of Irish riders heading to Italy — with team and individual designations yet to be announced — is:
Susie Berry with Monbeg By Design (ISH) [was Eskerhills Elixir] – 2012 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Eskerhills Lexis [ISH] by Puissance (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Fiona Molloy (Offaly). Owner: Helen Caton. Groom: Crisy Salmon
Padraig McCarthy with Fallulah (WESTF) – 2009 brown mare by Fidertanz 2 out of Devona by Di Versace. Bred by: Michael Norris, Owner: Amanda and Nicholas Boyle, Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattel and Padraig McCarthy. Groom: Jess Elliott
Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue (SHBGB) – 2009 grey gelding by Jaguar Mail out of Rock Me Baby by Rock Kind. Bred by Mellon Stud, Owner Austin O’Connor and The Salty Syndicate Groom: Francesca Denning
Felicity Ward with Regal Bounty (ISH) – 2011 black gelding by Orestus VDL (KWPN) out of Edge of Reason (ISH) by Senang Hati (TB). Breeder: Miriam De Feu. Owner: James O’Callaghan
Sam Watson with SAP Talisman (ISH) – 2011 bay gelding by Puissance (ISH) out of Ali Row (TB) by All Royal (TB). Breeder: Rosemary Ponsonby. Owner: Hannah Watson and Julia Watson. Groom: Hannah Watson
Non-traveling Reserve:
Michael Ryan with Barnahown Corn Hill (ISH) – 2011 brown gelding by Chinook Eclipse (TB) (USA) and out of Mats Lady (UNK). Bred by Michael Lynch Co Cork. Owners: Carol and Tom Henry
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