Sally Parkyn

ROUNDING off a highly rewarding year, last weekend’s event fixture at Ballindenisk brought Ireland’s international eventing season to a close. The ever popular autumn date once again attracted bumper entries from home and overseas, while the addition of the ISH young horse championships stretched the numbers further. The resulting extended timetable together with Sunday’s poor weather, were among the many challenges successfully met by the indomitable Fell family and their team, who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend.

Running seven international classes across the country on one day is no easy feat, but helped by glorious weather, Saturday’s cross country action kicked off at 10am and ran seamlessly until close of play eight hours later.

In contrasting conditions, Sunday’s rain-soaked show jumping finals also ran to time, with the last prize giving taking place as scheduled. “It was a pity about the weather on the final day, but overall very happy with the event,” reflected Peter Fell. “The time table was a bit jam packed, and that’s something we may look at again next year.”

INTERNATIONAL

Having based his cross-country tracks around those used at the international fixture back in the spring, Fell was delighted with both how they rode and also the positive feedback from the riders. In contrast to 12 months ago when the courses gained publicity of the wrong kind, each class delivered a good balance of difficulty and ran over perfect ground. Among the many riders singing their praises was New Zealand international Jock Paget.

DIFFERENT

“The courses and the fences are different to what I’m used to, but I thought the course builder was very clever,” said the first time visitor. “The place was well recommended to me – and I will definitely be back.” While it was no reflection on the organisers at Ballindenisk who staged them, the Irish Sport Horse young horse championships probably need a rethink.

Generously supported by Horse Sport Ireland and carrying a prize fund of €25,000, these prestige classes were late additions to the schedule. As a result, their inclusion was difficult to plan for both the event organisers and the riders, and while the outcome produced some nice horses, the class needs to gain a suitable showcase platform.

Completing on a happiest of notes, the event also marked a memorable CIC*** win and subsequent retirement of PJ Hegarty’s good mare Fenyas Elegance. With her roots firmly based in Co Cork, it was a perfect result for all connections, and one that led Fell to comment: “We were all delighted for the Hegarty family, Oli (Townend) who rode her, and of course Fenyas Elegance herself.

“PJ has been a good friend and supporter of Ballindenisk for many years, and for his mare to have her last run and win here was very special.”