In what is widely regarded as a surprise decision Ireland’s established equestrian star Bertram Allen has been over looked for this summer’s Rio Olympics.

Horse Sport Ireland Show jumping Team Manager Robert Splaine has instead recommended Greg Broderick and his 10-year-old gelding MHS Going Global (ISH) be nominated by Horse Sport Ireland to the Olympic Council of Ireland.

As of May 31st 2016, Allen was ranked 10th in the world in the Longine Show jumping rankings and Broderick 252.

Allen, one of the world’s top riders won Ireland’s single show jumping spot at the games earlier this year on Molly Malone V and had expected that winning combination would be selected to travel to Rio.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make as we are fortunate that our four main contenders for the place are very strong,” said Splaine after the announcement.

“Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global (ISH) have been outstanding contributors for Ireland in Nations Cups and have been consistent clear round jumpers at 5 star level.

“Their performance last weekend in St. Gallen, Switzerland where they jumped a double clear in the Nations Cup to help Ireland to victory, and followed that up with two clear rounds in the Grand Prix, shows they are a combination at the very top of their form.”

“Greg and MHS Going Global (ISH) were members of last year’s Irish Show Jumping team at Dublin Horse Show where they jumped a double clear round to help Ireland to victory.”

The 31-year-old Broderick comes from outside Thurles in Co. Tipperary, where he operates Ballypatrick Stables. Ireland is currently the first reserve for an individual place and for a team place at Rio. Should an extra team or individual place open up between now and the definite entry date of July 18th, Robert Splaine has listed three reserve combinations.

These are, in alphabetical order: Bertram Allen and Molly Malone, Denis Lynch and Allstar and Cian O’Connor and Good Luck.