The Blarney Castle international horse trials opened in controversial circumstances yesterday afternoon when two horses were turned down at the first inspection and a third was withdrawn, effectively eliminating them from the competition before it had started.

Karen Rodgers' mare Kilcoltrim Panache, Cathal Murphy's Imperial Tzar and Mark Kennedy's Cavalier John were among seven horses sent into the holding box for re-inspection. Kennedy withdrew his horse rather than re-present it to the ground jury, but Rodgers and Murphy were told their horses would not be allowed to start the competition.

Every horse in international three-day events is inspected by the three-man ground jury and a veterinary delegate to ensure it is fit and sound before the start of the competition. It is also inspected on the Sunday morning before the show jumping. The holding box concept was introduced eight years ago in an attempt to allow riders a chance to have their horses re-inspected. Prior to that, horses were either passed or failed at the inspection.

But even with the holding box procedure there is no redress if horses are failed at either the first or the last inspection. They are technically eliminated and can take no further part in the competition.

Representations were made to the technical delegate, Andy Griffiths, who is responsible for the smooth running of the competition and is the final arbiter in disputes. But he explained to the aggrieved riders and their connections that nothing could be done. In show jumping news, Peter Charles has been nominated as Ireland's sole representative at the Sydney Olympics, with Queen's Cup winner Jessica Chesney named as reserve. Heike Holstein has been named as the only Irish dressage rider, subject to her qualifying by July 3rd.