DARRAGH Kenny has been named as the P Alternate for the Irish show jumping team at the Paris Olympic Games following the withdrawal of Bertram Allen.

Allen's horse, the Irish-bred Pacino Amiro, has been ruled out due to a small injury.

Chef d’equipe Michael Blake has chosen Darragh Kenny (Co Offaly) with Cartello, owned by Heathman Farm LLC, as the new P Alternate combination for the Games. It is a second Olympic call-up for Kenny who competed in Tokyo three years ago with Cartello.

Blake said: “It’s obviously so disappointing for Bertram, Pacino Amiro’s owners Ballywalter Stud and everyone who looks after him at home that this has happened so close to Paris.

“We all saw how good his form was coming into the Games, jumping double clear in Aachen to help us win the five-star Nations Cup, and I know he would have done a brilliant job in Paris if he had been needed.

“Darragh Kenny and VDL Cartello will now come in as our P Alternate combination, and I have the utmost faith in them – Darragh has been jumping full of confidence and had a great win in Falsterbo last week.

“This combination also has Olympic experience and jumped a clear round in Tokyo to make the individual final. If they’re needed in Paris I’m sure they will do a great job for the team.”

Disappointed

Speaking of the setback, Bertram Allen said: “I’m very disappointed – to be chosen for the Olympics is the highest honour in the sport so this is a tough one to take.

“While I’m obviously disappointed for myself, I’m also disappointed for Buddy as he really was in such great form coming into it and we were ready to go if we were called upon.

“I really must thank everyone in my team, Buddy’s owners at Ballywalter and his groom Lovisa Munter. The only thing left to do is wish the lads all the very best in Paris – we have a brilliant team and I’ve no doubt they’ll do us all proud.”

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