Young Turk to take Hanley's ride on Livello

Cameron Hanley is taking stock after losing the ride on the talented SIEC Livello.

The Frankfurt-based irishman just missed out on individual bronze at last summer's European Championships on the grey stallion, which looked a strong candidate for September's World Equestrian Games.

The horse is owned by Turkish businesswoman Sevil Sebanci. She also owns the Sebanci International Equestrian Centre in Istanbul, where Comdt Gerry Flynn competes and trains the SIEC string.

Flynn, who has taken up Turkish citizenship, confirmed yesterday that he will not be taking up the ride on his former team-mate's horse.

“Livello will now be ridden by 23-year-old Turkish rider Chari Basel,” said the Longford rider, who is set to compete for a Turkish team created by Sebanci with an eye to qualifying for the London Olympics.

Hanley has other strings to his bow, including the VDL Stud's Southwind, which represented Ireland in the Meydan FEI Nations Cup series last season. The Claremorris rider has moved up to 39th in the latest world rankings.