World Equestrian Games - Ireland Finishes First Day Dressage And Para

Ireland began the first day of its fortnight-long campaign at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy with two Dressage riders and one Para dressage rider entering the arena in rainswept conditions.

In the Dressage Team Test, Roland Tong and Pompidou scored 66.900 per cent to hold overnight 25th place, while James Connor and Casino Royal recorded 62.357 per cent for overnight 42nd place.

On Tuesday Judy Reynolds with Vancouver K begin their test at 10.51am, with Anna Merveldt and Vancouver fourth last to compete at 16.18.

In Grade 1b of the Para Dressage event Ireland's Breda Bernie and Master Mexico unfortunately suffered elimination.

Tomorrow in Grade IV of the Para team test, Paralympic medallist James Dwyer and Orlando compete for Ireland at 9.38am. Kate Kerr-Horan makes her WEG debut in the Grade II competition, riding Arlande at 13.18pm.

Meanwhile Ireland's Paralympic multi-medallist Helen Kearney competes in the Grade 1a Team Test on the irish Sport Horse Mister Cool at 16.17.

Irish participation in the games at Normandy continues with Eventing and Endurance, which begin on Thursday, while Jumping is scheduled to begin on September 2nd.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy brings together close to 1,000 riders and 1,000 horses from 74 nations for 15 days of world-class competition. The World Equestrian Games take place every four years, halfway between sets of consecutive Summer Olympic Games, and are administered by the world governing body, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).