Kenny forced to withdraw from World Championships

Offaly showjumping star Darragh Kenny and his horse VDL Cartello are unable to compete in the Agria FEI Jumping World Championships having been forced to withdraw yesterday (Tuesday).

The decision was taken due to "a veterinary issue" said a statement from Horse Sport Ireland.

It's a major blow for Belmont native Kenny, who has been ranked as high as eighth in the world, and he has a plethora of prestigious titles to his name.

"Following a discussion between High Performance Director Micheal Blake and team vet Marcus Swail, the decision was taken to withdraw," said the Horse Sport Ireland statement.

"It is a cruel blow for Darragh, VDL Cartello’s groom Nickki O’Donovan and all connections of the horse but both Darragh and Horse Sport Ireland place paramount importance on the welfare and health of our athletes, human and equine," the statement added.

Bertram Allen with Pacino Amiro will replace Kenny as Ireland's fourth team member at the World Championships.

Meath's Cian O'Connor, Tipperary's Denis Lynch and Derry's Daniel Coyle are also part of the team.

The 2022 FEI (International Equestrian Federation) World Championships are taking place in Herning, Denmark, and will continue until August 15. The championships feature such disciplines as showjumping, dressage and vaulting.