Denis Lynch misses out on second individual show jumping place for Rio Games

Ireland has failed to secure a second individual show jumping place for the Rio Olympic Games to go with the team place already secured in Eventing.

Ireland has been allocated one place as a result of Bertram Allen's Olympic ranking, with Denis Lynch just missing out on securing a second slot for Ireland.

However, Lynch has secured the first reserve slot for Ireland should another country not be able to take up their place or places.

Under Olympic rules individual places are allocated to the country of the rider who secures the place rather than to the rider, although that place is expected to be allocated to Allen by team manager Robert Splaine and Horse Sport Ireland

The place was confirmed by the international equestrian governing body, the FEI, following the 6 March cut-off date for the Olympic rankings.

Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Prof. Patrick Wall said that “great credit is due to Bertram Allen, and to Denis Lynch for the efforts they went to in trying to secure the places for Team Ireland.

“The Eventing team secured qualification back in 2014 and they have been preparing since then.

"Team Ireland Equestrian is in a great place now with phenomenal talent and I’m confident we can produce the goods in Rio.”

Ireland also hopes to secure one individual place in dressage through the efforts of Judy Reynolds but this has yet to be confirmed.

source: rte.ie