Irish team improve during cross country

Olympics - Equestrian : There was a big shake-up in the team and individual placings following the cross-country phase at Beas…

Olympics - Equestrian: There was a big shake-up in the team and individual placings following the cross-country phase at Beas River, the eight-minute time allowed on the twisting track proving impossible to make.

Leaders after dressage, Australia's Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia dropped to 11th with the addition of 27.20 penalties. Germany's Hinrich Romeike (Marius) filled the vacant position with his team also pushing the Australians down to second.

None of the five Irish riders managed to beat the clock but Louise Lyons and Watership Down have improved to 35th spot with their clear round being achieved in 9 minutes 11 seconds for the addition of 28.40 penalties.

Austin O'Connor is just one place behind on Hobby du Mee, Geoff Curran is now 39th with Kilkishen while, in spite of a run-out for 20 jumping penalties, Niall Griffin (Lorgaine) was quickest of the Irish and lies 41st.

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Patricia Ryan and Fernhill Clover Mist have moved up to 47th of the 60 combinations remaining in the event and the team to eighth.