Sally Parkyn

CCI***

SHOWING all his experience, and making little of the difficult conditions on the final day, the Irish-bred veteran The Highland Prince landed a career first CCI*** victory under British rider Michael Owen. Pulling out the sole show jumping clear round and completing on his opening mark (45.9), the son of Highland King moved up from third spot overnight to head leader Jock Paget (Angus Blue) as well as Andrew Hoy riding Algebra.

“He’s a good, tough Irish horse,” said a visibly moved Owen. “He is 16-years-old, he has competed in 25 international events, and over 95 national events spanning eleven seasons – and has never taken a lame step.”

An outstanding advertisement for the Irish horse, the traditionally bred gelding was bred by Patrick Kearns in Co Laois, and is out of Ballycullen Girl by Rimilis.

Produced and ridden by Owen throughout, he was placed third in a similar class at Tattersalls in the spring, and has three Burghley completions under his belt. “He loved the track,” added Owen, “It was really galloping, and although not quite as ‘rider frightenly’ big as Tatts, there was plenty to catch you out.”

Heading into the final phase with a fence in hand, the favourites Jock Paget and Angus Blue looked almost home and hosed.

Approaching the penultimate they were still clear, but tiring in the mud, the gelding dropped a leg and lowered the final two fences.

“He’s still a young horse, and comparatively inexperienced,” said Paget of the New Zealand-bred thoroughbred. “He will have learned a lot this weekend. He came up to Europe from New Zealand four years ago, and although he’s not over big he’s very athletic.”

The pair had a partial prep run at Blenheim seven days earlier, whereas Andrew Hoy and the third-placed Algebra II had not had an outing since Houghton back in May. This was a good run for Hoy’s 18-year-old, who, like the winner, is in the twilight of his career.

While Tony Hurley’s show jumping tracks were hugely influential, it was a blip in the country that proved costly for Ireland’s leading representatives Aidan Keogh and Master Tredstep.

Lying ready to challenge in a smart second spot after dressage (40.9), the pair were having a super spin, until glancing off at the final element of the water (26b) three from home.

Just two of the initial 10 runners failed to complete. Esib Power and the in-form Soladoun were unlucky to part company at the Ballindenisk feature angled walls (12b), the same fence that accounted for two stops and eventual retirement for the British pairing of Olivia Craddock and Billy Liffy.