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Jonty Evans in 'stable' condition after fall

Jonty Evans on Cooley Rorkes Drift competing at Rio 2016
Jonty Evans on Cooley Rorkes Drift competing at Rio 2016

Irish Olympian Jonty Evans remains in a stable condition in Beaumont Hospital following a fall at Tattersalls International Horse Trials last weekend.

Evans, who finished ninth in individual eventing at the 2016 Rio Olympics, fell from Cooley Rorkes Drift during Sunday's CIC three-star competition at the event in Co Meath.

The 46-year-old was initially taken to hospital in Blanchardstown before being transferred to the neurological intensive care unit at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.

"Jonty continues to be in a stable condition and is receiving the best possible care and treatment," said a statement from Eventing Ireland. "We will advise of any changes in due course."

"The organisers of Tattersalls International Horse Trials, Horse Sport Ireland and Eventing Ireland would like to thank everyone for their support following Jonty’s fall on Sunday," added the statement.

"We would like to thank everyone who has sent messages of support from all over the world, which is of great comfort to his family and friends."

Eventing Ireland asked well-wishers not to contact the family "who have requested privacy at this time" or Beaumont Hospital, which it said had been "inundated with calls" that were "interfering with the day-to-day running of the hospital".

Jack Dodd

In a tragic week for Irish equestrianism, Horse Sport Ireland have also announced the death of young showjumper Jack Dodd.

The 25-year-old Mayo native passed away on Wednesday in Maastricht, the Netherlands, due to injuries sustained in a car crash in Belgium last week.

Dodd had represented Ireland from youth to senior level and was a member of the Irish Young Rider Team at the European Championships in Italy in 2014. 

Irish Show Jumping Development Team Manager Michael Blake said: "I and everybody else am devastated at the tragic news of Jacks passing.

"I have known Jack most of his life and admired the mantra which he applied to his work, 'success is the reward for effort'. Jack knew what he wanted and went after it.

"In 2016 we nominated Jack for the Rolex Young Riders Academy and he was inducted into the Academy. Jack really learned his trade here and made a lasting impression on all whom he met. Jack recently set up his own business and was doing really well.

"I offer my heartfelt sympathy to his parents Trish and David, along with all of his family and numerous friends. Jack, we will miss you terribly,  you were truly one of lives great guys.  Rest in peace, heaven has gained an angel."

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