Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K Picture Paul Nolan

Judy Reynolds set a new Irish international Grand Prix Kür(Freestyle to Music) record score of 75.775% when placing sixth with Joe & Kathleen Reynolds' 13-year-old Jazz gelding Vancouver K at the four-star show in Hagen, Germany today [Sunday, April 26, 2015]. The previous record score of 75.725% was set by Irish Olympian Anna Merveldt and Coryolano in Vienna, Austria [14/11/2011]. 

The German-based Irish international rider placed sixth in the Grand Prix at the CDI4* show in Hagen yesterday [Saturday, April 25, 2015] on a personal best score of 70.70% in a FEI Grand Prix class.

Speaking from Germany Judy said "I'm delighted with the score. Vancouver K was competing in his first outdoor show this year and was very settled, there are more points to get and I blame myself for the few mistakes today." Judy plans to compete at the five-star show in Munich next month and then hopes to get into Aachen at the end of May. "Today is the first show which is part of the qualification for Olympic Games in Rio so it was important to post a good score" said Judy "I'm pleased with my improved scores this season, reflected in my breakthrough into the top 100 in the world rankings, as I aim towards the European Dressage Championships in August." 

Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Deja 5 scored a double winning on a 80.225% total with German riders Ingrid Klimke (Dresden Mann)in second place on 79.350% and Dorothee Schneider (Silvano 71) scoring 77.775% for third.

Irish riders performed well at the British Dressage Premier League show in The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe, Bedford, England this weekend with former national champion Roland Tong and Ambience IV winning the Grand Prix, in their debut season at big tour level, on a score of 68.50%. Another British-based Irish rider Abi Hutton and Armagnac placed 7th, on a score of 67.46%, in the small tour Intermediaire I class which was won by her husband Charlie and Super Blue on 71.23%.

Marcus Swail, Team Veterinarian for the Irish Show Jumping and Eventing teams.

HORSE Sport Ireland has confirmed that Marcus Swail will step down as Team Veterinarian for the Irish Show Jumping and Eventing teams.

Marcus has been Team Vet since 2003. He was Team Vet at three Olympic Games, including last year’s London Games, two World Equestrian Games and several European Championships, .

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Damian Mc Donald said that Marcus had indicated in October that he had decided to step down due to family and work commitments.

McDonald said: “We had hoped he might reconsider but he had his mind made up. On behalf of Horse Sport Ireland I want to thank Marcus for the contribution he has made. He did an outstanding job for the Irish teams and for Horse Sport Ireland.”

Marcus Swail commented: “Niamh and I have three young children and while I have thoroughly enjoyed the role it is a huge commitment and requires being away from home a lot. It was a difficult decision to make.

“I have enjoyed working with all the riders, Team Managers Robert Splaine and Nick Turner, and Ginny Elliot before Nick.

“I want to thank all the staff at Horse Sport Ireland. A new professionalism has been brought to the sport in recent years which has already paid great dividends.”

Horse Sport Ireland has confirmed that Hugh Suffern will take over as Senior Eventing team vet while Pat Meagher will take over as Show Jumping team vet.

Hugh Suffern, who is based in Banbridge Co. Down, acted as team vet in recent years when Marcus Swail was unavailable and has been team vet at three previous Olympics.

Pat Meagher from Tipperary was team vet at last year’s Paralympics in London. He is a senior FEI veterinarian and has acted as FEI Veterinary Delegate at several international shows, including the Royal International CSIO5* show in Hickstead.

Note from Horse Sport Ireland