Horse Sport Ireland Reports Winning Appeal to Send No Team to Olympics, Hours After Riders Dane Rawlins & James Connor Claimed Victory

Horse Sport Ireland claimed victory Tuesday in its decision not to send a team to the Olympics after a finding by an independent arbitrator and just hours after riders Dane Rawlins and James Connor released a statement from their legal team reporting the opposite outcome.

“The Independent Arbitrator dismissed the appeal of both Mr Rawlins and Mr. Connor,” Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) said in a statement..

“The hearing offered all parties the opportunity to outline their positions, ensuring that an independent assessment of the nomination decision could be made.

“In his decision, Dermot Kelly SC, referring to the decision of the Dressage High Performance Director (DPHD) stated: ‘The DHPD gave very full and careful consideration to all the factors set out in the Nomination Policy’.

“Horse Sport Ireland will continue to support Irish competitors in the equestrian disciplines as they prepare to compete under unique circumstances at these Olympic Games.”

Dane Rawlins and James Connor released a statement that they said was from their attorneys after the hearing stating they had won the appeal and the Irish federation would be asked to name a team for the Olympics in Tokyo that would be the first in dressage for the nation.

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