Losanna (SUI), 7 Jun 2018 – Jack Dodd, one of Ireland’s rising stars on the international Jumping circuit, has passed away as a result of injuries he sustained in a car accident in Belgium last week.
A member of the prestigious Young Riders Academy, he had celebrated his 25th birthday at the beginning of last month and it seemed that the stars were aligned for a great future for the young man from Co Mayo in the west of Ireland.
He had been competing internationally since 2007 and had represented Ireland right through the youth ranks to senior level, including being a member of the Irish silver medal team at the 2007 European Championships for Children on Horses, and flying the Irish flag at the FEI European Young Rider Championships in Arezzo (ITA) in 2014.
He also competed on Irish FEI Nations Cup™ teams and was a strong supporter of the series, speaking at last year’s FEI Sports Forum about the crucial role it plays in providing experience for young riders on the international stage.
Jack Dodd had worked with some of Ireland’s leading names, including Bertram Allen, Cian O’Connor, Cameron Hanley and Shane Breen, and had set up his own yard in Belgium earlier this year.
“The news of Jack’s tragic death has come as a great shock to us all”, FEI Jumping Director John Roche said. “He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. The loss of such a fine gentleman and a young talented athlete leaves us simply devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues during these very difficult days.”
The FEI extends its deepest sympathy to Jack Dodd’s parents David and Trish, his family and wide circle friends and to the Irish National Federation.
Fei Press Release