Funding boost for equestrian industry: Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue yesterday announced Government funding of €1.75 million for Horse Sport Ireland, the national governing body for equestrian sport which was established earlier this month, reports Grania Willis.

Speaking in Dublin's McKee Barracks at the official launch of Horse Sport Ireland, the Minister said he believed it was a historic day and that the new governing body would result in a bright future for the Irish equestrian industry, allowing Ireland to become a world leader in equestrian sports just as it has already done in racing.

Describing the six-year setting up of Horse Sport Ireland as a "challenging process", the Minister said the new body had been born from a "common determination to achieve a more successful and thriving horse industry, combining the breeding, sport and leisure sides of the sector".

Former Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh, who served as chairman of the Irish Horse Board for the past year, has been named as chairman of Horse Sport Ireland's 17-member board of directors, which represents the sporting, breeding and leisure aspects of the equestrian industry.

First Ashes bouncer

CRICKET: Glenn McGrath has increased the pressure on England in the build-up to the first Test by claiming their Ashes chances have been undermined by their failure to retain a settled side.

McGrath makes his return to Test cricket at the Gabba on Thursday having taken time out to care for his wife Jane, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

But his time away has not mellowed his ability for making bold statements, particularly at the start of an Ashes series, and he believes England's numerous changes to their line-up have given Australia plenty of ground for optimism.

McGrath book feted

SPORTS BOOK AWARD: Back from the Brink, the autobiography of Paul McGrath, is the inaugural winner of the William Hill Irish Sports Book of the Year award. Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue made the announcement at Easons bookstore in Dublin yesterday.

Back from the Brink was written with the assistance of Irish Independent journalist Vincent Hogan and published by Century Press.

Billed as the story of Ireland's greatest footballer, the book has been described as "candid" and "brilliant" by reviewers.

McGrath described how difficult it was to recall some of the darkest periods in his life.

Doping inquiry

ATHLETICS: Germany's athletics federation (DLV) is investigating Nils Schumann, the Olympic 800 metres champion in 2000, and Grit Breuer, the former European 400 metres champion, over suspected violation of doping rules.

"The basis for the charge are indications of potential offences by these persons in conjunction with the bringing into circulation and trading of medications used for doping purposes in sport," the DLV said yesterday.

"The DLV doesn't just talk about zero tolerance in the fight against drugs, it also practises it."