Top coach's relief as probe clears her of rapping horses

The Irish trainer said she welcomed the eventual publication of the judge's report

- LUCY ELDER

TOP coach Sally Corscadden has spoken of her "relief" to have been cleared of rapping, following drawn-out proceedings lasting 21 months.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) released a summary of the findings of Justice Frank Clarke's investigation of Ms Corscadden, in her capacity as Irish eventing high-performance director.

Ms Corscadden told H&H she welcomes "the eventual publication".

"I cherish my reputation for being ever vigilant as regards horse welfare. I passionately believe that you need a happy and confident horse to perform to its full abilities and the trainers I used share my beliefs," she said.

"I abhor the practice of rapping and condemn it outright, so imagine my shock and hurt when it was alleged that I had overseen coaching sessions that could even [have] been construed as rapping."

Justice Clarke was engaged by HSI to investigate whether or not a metal bar training practice "adopted by, or at least under the control of" Ms Corscadden amounted to a breach of FEI rules so a breach of her employment contract. This involves placing a metal bar on top of a showjump.