NutriScience CCI4*-L

WHILE British riders were dominating the European eventing championships in Switzerland last weekend, three of their compatriots carried the Union Jack to victory in Co Cork as the 2021 home international season concluded at Ballindenisk.

Just four combinations, all from across the water, started in the NutriScience CCI4*-L where the ground jury for this class at the Fell family’s multi-disciplined facility comprised Germany’s Gerd Kuest (C) plus Ireland’s Faith Ponsonby (B) and John Lyttle (H).

Two of the four starters were eliminated for refusals on the Peter Fell-designed cross-country track on Saturday including Tom Jackson with Fire Fly but that Surrey-based rider secured victory the following day when completing on his dressage score with Bahira M (33.1 penalties).

Olivia Leyland finished second with the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Cruise The Town, a son of Warrenstown You 2 who was two seconds over the time across the country and one second over in the show jumping ring where he also lowered a pole for a total of 40.3.

“I was lucky enough to have four horses to ride at Blenheim and as the two I had here needed a four-star-long run, it was great that this class was on for them,” said Jackson. “It was a bit daunting dealing with all the Brexit paperwork, etc., and even on the way to the ferry we kept wondering if we had everything right, however, it all went very smoothly.

“Although we used to go to Tatts a lot, this was our first time at Ballindenisk but it definitely won’t be our last! I thought the four-star track was good but it was a bit different from what we are used to as there were a lot more natural fences than at home. The ground on the cross-country course was perfect and the surface of the large arena was fantastic.

“While my winner was foot-perfect across the country, my other horse made a mistake early on and went a bit green after that. They will have a little break now but I have no immediate plans for them as they are for sale.”

The German-bred Bahira M is a 12-year-old Holstein mare by Cassaro.

No horror stories

Event director Peter Fell, who designed both the four- and three-star cross-country tracks, was pleased to learn that Jackson had no problems with the Brexit paperwork and new customs protocols.

“There were no horror stories of lorries being held up and I do think British riders find the Irish customs and Department of Agriculture are far easier to deal with than the French,” commented Fell. “Also, riders are getting more used to the new arrangements and hopefully will have the confidence to return here in numbers next year.

“We had a really good week and if the weather was a bit mixed, it was typical for September and we have had more dry than wet events here in the past. Though I say so myself, I think the going on Saturday was approaching the best we have ever had here and, of course, people visiting for the first time – or the first time in ages – were delighted with our large all-weather arena.”

While this event was the last of the season for Ballindenisk, the curtain also came down on the international judging career of Germany’s Gerd Kuest who has regularly officiated on ground juries at the Co Cork venue.

A breeder and trainer himself, it was little surprise to see him judge the Michael Leonard championship for five and six-year-old horses at the weekend. This visit to Ireland followed on from Kuest being a member of the ground jury at Aachen.