Sunday Independent (Ireland)

The Boss’s girl tipped for RDS return

- CLAIRE Mc CORMACK

HOPES are high that Bruce Springstee­n’s daughter, Jessica, will once again showcase her world-class equestrian talents at this year’s Dublin Horse Show.

Although organisers could not confirm that the show-jumping star will join Team USA, sources say “if she is jumping well, then hopefully she’ll make the squad”.

Organisers are also optimistic that Georgina Bloomb- erg, the youngest daughter of billionair­e and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, will also return to the RDS arena.

The Boss’s daughter made her debut at the RDS, where her father has performed multiple sell-out concerts, back in 2014.

Her rock-star father, and her mum, Patti Scialfa, were also there to cheer on the New Jersey rider as she competed against the best jumpers in the world.

Afterwards, the star show-jumper reflected on her experience during an interview in the US.

“I competed at the Dublin Horse Show and my dad had played concerts in the same exact venue. It was, like, this cool kind of role reversal,” she told USA Today Sports.

Although there was some disappoint­ment Jessica didn’t return last year, Georgina, whose father is one of the richest men in the world, brought extra sparkle with her impressive performanc­e.

However, there was no sign of her father in the crowd as the then 32-year-old, wearing a striking red blazer, cleared the fences on her horse, named Caleno 3.

The participat­ion of many Riobound gold medal hopefuls at this year’s Dublin Horse Show, now in its 143rd year, means a change from the traditiona­l August dates to July 20July 24. Despite the earlier date, the same combinatio­ns will be on offer — internatio­nal show jumping, the stylish Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day, family entertainm­ent and the best in Irish craft. Riders will participat­e in 14 internatio­nal competitio­ns. Last year, Ireland won the coveted Aga Khan Trophy, Antrim- based Egyptian rider Sameh el Dahan claimed the Land Rover Puissance, while American rider Kent Farrington went one better to win the valuable Longines Grand Prix.

Speaking at last week’s official launch, Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, said: “This year is an Olympic year and carries with it the added excitement of witnessing, upclose, Irish and internatio­nal riders who will be bidding for gold in Rio.”

 ??  ?? CHAMP: Jessica Springstee­n, daughter of legend Bruce (inset)
CHAMP: Jessica Springstee­n, daughter of legend Bruce (inset)
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