MADAM,

With so many Irish-bred horses doing well at the Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, some might have missed a great result for the late, great and much missed Tipperary breeder Liam Kenneally.

Liam bred Dag Albert’s Tubber Rebel (by Rich Rebel out of Killea Lady, by Carrabawn View).

Dag started with this horse in 2005 getting a ninth and second place in pre-novice. By the end of the year he had secured nine top-10 places from 10 outings in novice events.

By 2007, the pair were competing in intermediate and advanced classes and 2008 saw them at the Olympics where he finished 31st (dressage was never his strong point!).

Completing Badminton last weekend must have given all those who know Dag, Tubber Rebel and the late Liam, such pleasure.

Earlier in the week at the Grassroots B100 Championship, Grey Finnsky won on his dressage score.

Another gelding bred by Liam, Grey Finnsky is by Killea Hill View out of the mare Killea Rebel Heart by Rich Rebel. Liam bred the sire using Carrabawn View so he must be looking down with pride at two traditional Irish horses who have proved his belief in Irish breeding.

Liam’s daughter Aggie is now running the stud and the popularity and success of “Hill View” is making it a busy season. I am sure we all wish her luck for this and many seasons to come.

Yours etc,

Charlie Ripman,

Whitehall,

Dromane,

Thurles,

Co Tipperary.