Ireland’s hopes in this week’s FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona have suffered a setback following the news that Cian O’Connor’s horse Good Luck has been ruled out of contention after suffering what appears to be a shoulder injury.

The injury came to light after a warm up class ahead of tomorrow’s opening round. Manager Rodrigo Pessoa said that it was decided not to risk Good Luck in the competition. “We have decided not to take any risk with such a special horse,” he said. “He will go for further examination and hope for a speedy recovery.”

O’Connor will be replaced by Shane Breen who will partner Laith as third of the Irish into action.

Shane Sweetnam will open for Ireland on Chaqui Z, with Bertram Allen on Molly Malone going second. Denis Lynch and All Star will be the anchor combination.

Ireland have been drawn seventh of the fifteen teams tackling tomorrow’s opening round, after which the top eight will qualify for Saturday’s final round.

Mike Dunne