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Cian O'Connor out of team fina...

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Cian O'Connor out of team final after Kilkenny suffers nosebleed


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Cian O'Connor and his horse Kilkenny have withdrawn from the Olympic team show jumping final. 

The tandem finished 7th in the individual final on Wednesday, only missing out on a place in the medal jump-off due to a time fault.

It was confirmed after their clear round that Kilkenny had suffered a nose-bleed, something confirmed by the on-site veterinary team in Tokyo.

Kilkenny was then taken to the on-site veterinary clinic.

"Kilkenny recovered quickly, and all vitals were normal," said Team Ireland Veterinarian, Marcus Swail, "He was subject to further examination at the on-site veterinary clinic and the horse is now comfortable and back in his stable.”

However, Shane Sweetnam and Alejandro will take the place of O'Connor and Kilkenny in Friday's team final.

"To finish seventh at the Olympic Games for such a young and inexperienced horse, I’m very happy," the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist said. 

"I’ve decided not to put Kilkenny forward for the team competition as his well-being comes first. I have no doubt we will have much success together in the future."

Allen and Pacino Amiro finished a creditable 15th. They picked up four faults, initially from a tricky combination jump which scuppered many of the 30 finalists.

"I was getting there a bit close. I tried to get him back to me," said the County Wexford rider, He’s a big horse, maybe not just as rideable as he needs to be - but that comes with the territory of being only a nine-year-old.”

Darragh Kenny and Cartello were the penultimate combination to go in the final.

Eight faults in a time of 85.11 saw them finish in 17th position.

"I thought my horse jumped well, it was a very tough course," Kenny said, "I made a little mistake coming out of the double and I paid for it.

"Then, I was trying to be a quick four-faulter and I had one more down with the horse.

"The horse jumped really well, I just needed to ride it a little bit better today….He feels good after that round. We’ll just freshen him up a little bit now for Friday and Saturday.”

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Bertram Allen Cian O'Connor Darragh Kenny Equestrian Eventing Olympic Games Olympics Show Jumping Showjumping Tokyo 2020

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