Playboy JT Z sold to USA

RHYS Williams’ Young Rider European gold medal-winning mount Playboy JT Z has been sold to USA’s Charlotte Jacobs. The eight-year-old Belgian-bred gelding by Presley Bot has been produced by Williams at PARC Stables in Ennis, Co Clare, since he was a three-year-old. The pair had many successful days, including winning the seven/eight-year-old final at the Dublin Horse Show in 2022 and the two-star Grand Prix at Mullingar in June.

“I’d like to wish him the best of luck with his new owners Charlotte Jacobs and North Star Sporthorses. I couldn’t be more privileged to have been a part of your early days up until now,” Williams said. Jacobs, who trains with Greg Broderick and spent time based at his Thurles stable, has ridden at five-star Nations Cup level for the USA.

Mark Q (ISH) retired

THE brilliant Irish Sport Horse Mark Q was officially retired from show jumping by the Babington family last week at the age of 21. The OBOS Quality gelding was bred by John and Barbara Walshe and produced in Ireland by Olive Clarke and Bourns Sport Horses before being sold to Kevin Babington. The pair went on to have huge success at the top of the sport and, after his life changing accident four years ago, Kevin’s daughter Gwyneth took over the ride. “He is such an incredible athlete, always able to find an extra 10%, so it was important to me that he leaves the sport 100% sound and happy. In the toughest moment of my life he was the silver lining,” Gwyneth wrote on her social media.

O’Connor heads for Maryland CCI5*

AUSTIN O’Connor is the sole Irish rider taking on the penultimate CCI5* of the year at Maryland in the USA. O’Connor re-routed his Badminton third-place finisher Colorado Blue after an early mishap at Burghley in early September. There are just three British starters on the entry list – two of them riding Irish horses. Piggy March debuts Brookfield Cavalier Cruise (ISH) while world number one Oliver Townend takes Cooley Rosalent (ISH) for her second start at the level. The rest of the 28-strong field is dominated by the host nation and two athletes from New Zealand. The event runs from October 19th to 22nd.

Kocher ban upheld by CAS

THE FEI Tribunal’s 10-year suspension of US rider Andrew Kocher for the use of electric spurs has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a lengthy appeal. The FEI’s investigation followed allegations Kocher used electric spurs on a number of horses in events and during training and established that he also instructed employees to use the spurs, which he manufactured himself.

In its decision CAS reached the same conclusion as the FEI, in that a 10-year suspension was merited with Kocher barred from participating in or attending any competition or event authorised by the FEI or any National Federation. Other sanctions included the disqualification of Kocher’s results from eight FEI events and a CHF 10,000 fine and legal costs to the amount of CHF 7,500.

HSI Roadshow - have your say

HORSE Sport Ireland (HSI) is undertaking a second series of nationwide, interactive roadshows over the coming weeks. This series will provide breeders, producers and stakeholders an opportunity to have their say on HSI schemes and initiatives. HSI is seeking for attendees to give their honest opinion and constructive feedback at the roadshows. The dates are: October 23rd - Clayton Hotel, Galway; November 2nd - Bannville Hotel, Down; November 6th - Charleville Park Hotel, Cork; November 9th - The Killashee, Kildare. Each forum will begin at 5:30pm. Hot refreshments will be provided. The forums are free to attend. Book your place via the HSI website.