Ballymore eventer Murphy’s high hopes in Kentucky

BALLYMORE’S Joseph Murphy flies the flag for Irish riders at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event this weekend and the Irish Olympian is hopeful of a big performance on board Calmaro (DSP).

The major international event runs through the weekend and kickstarts a busy and important period for the eventing fraternity, with many competing this weekend flying straight out to take part in the Badminton Horse Trials next Wednesday.

“All is great with Calmaro, I had a really good prep with him during the spring,” Murphy said.

“You’re going on the back of his form from last year – that’s the reason for making this trip. Since he’s arrived he’s been in great form.

“My groom Ryan Hopper has been here with him and has done a super job. It’s a big weekend but he’s more than capable of performing well so it’s very exciting.

“He competed at the Pau five-star last year and performed very well but this is another step up again - with the travel and the atmosphere and everything that goes with it.

“The work is done with him – the prep is done. Now it’s just a case of getting him into the right frame of mind so he can do himself justice and I’m really looking forward to it.”

As the sole Irish rider in Kentucky perhaps there’s an added layer of expectation on his shoulders with that but, as a veteran of World Championships and Olympic Games, Murphy is taking it in his stride.

“I’m aware of it but it’s not something I will let get to me when we get started because you come here and commit to competing independently, so I put all that out of my head and really just focus on the competition and in that respect I’m normally pretty calm,” Murphy added.

“I don’t let it worry me – I try to embrace it.”