A Kilrush bred horse ‘The Duke of Cavan’ competed in the eventing for Japan in the Rio Olympics.
Tommy Fitzpatrick is the man responsible for breeding ‘The Duke of Cavan’. He sold the horse as a yearling. Getting to watch the horse in the Rio Olympics is what it’s all about for the Kilrush man in what he describes a “pastime”.
“I’m breeding horses all my life and you’re always looking for the one. It’s hugely rewarding as a breeder when a horse you’ve bred gets to compete in the Olympics. The success of the Duke of Cavan makes it all worthwhile” Tommy said.
Yoshiaki Oiwa is the current owner of the horse and was also its rider as The Duke in the Individual Eventing Equestrian competition in the Olympics. Oiwa had to settle for a place of twentieth with a final score of 77.0. Germany’s Michael Jung took Gold on Sam FBW with a score of 40.9.