Resignation accepted

Equestrian Sport: The resignations of two officials Resignations allegedly involved in a breach of the Employment Act at the Show Jumping Association of Ireland's (SJAI) Dublin offices have been accepted by the SJAI executive board, reports Grania Willis.

Director general Tony Kelly, who was asked to stand down two weeks ago while the matter was being investigated, resigned on Monday citing health problems as the reason for his departure. Shortly afterwards, Gerry Thompson, the former SJAI director who had been on temporary employment in the Ballsbridge office until his suspension a fortnight ago, also handed in his resignation.

This is the first time Thompson has been officially named in connection with this issue. The Co Monaghan man, who was national vice-chairman of the association and chairman of the Leinster region last year, had been working in the SJAI headquarters since last July.

But there are still no details about last week's internal inquiry into the breach of the employment laws. A subcommittee headed by the association's accountant reported its findings to the executive board last Friday, but despite a pledge from newly-elected national chairman Tony Hurley that "a full and frank report on the findings" would be issued this week, the SJAI directors have remained tight-lipped.

Sailing: Mutiny was in the air on the Italian boat in the America's Cup challengers' finals yesterday. The crew of Luna Rossa resented being blamed for the spinnaker snarl-up the previous day that cost them the lead in the series against AmericaOne, and turned the criticism against skipper Francesco de Angelis, reports Bob Fisher.

They want De Angelis replaced by the tactician Torben Grael, who is almost certainly a better downwind sailor. There was clearly antagonism between the two men during Wednesday's race and their American rival was allowed to run down to the finish unchallenged to level the first-to-five series 3-3.

But Grael is Brazilian and his elevation to skipper would probably not be acceptable to Patrizio Bertelli, the chairman of Prada, which is financing the Italian challenge.

Yesterday as they waited in vain under the leaden skies of Hauraki Gulf for enough wind to start the seventh race, De Angelis, Grael and the crew were seen in deep discussion.

The postponement at least gave them a breathing space as they need to resolve their differences quickly.