CCI2*-L

HAVING been knocking at the door all season, it was timely to see Clare Abbott and Mr Mighty (ISH) take the spoils in the CCI2*-L. The Co Down pair had things very much their own way from day one, and having dominated the dressage on a mark of 23.8, they increased their lead after every phase.

On Sunday night, they led the 22-strong field by a comfortable eight-point margin, leading Abbott to comment: “He was the best he’s ever been and he’s really come together. He’s always been very good on the flat and show jumping, but we’ve rather been playing catch up across the country.”

Like so many of the riders at Ballindenisk, Abbott relished the opportunity to gallop across the country. “So often you are not really able to do so at the one-day events,” she explained. “So, it was great to be able to motor on and it’s so educational.”

A comparatively low-mileage seven-year-old, Mr Mighty, like many of Abbot’s horses, was bred by Cormac McKay. The current holder of the prestigious Michael Leonard young horse championship, he is by McKay’s little-known Irish Sport Horse stallion Gatcombe (by Gatsby), and although the dam is unrecorded, she is, according to Abbott, possibly a sister to her Olympic partner Euro Prince.

With five rides over the weekend, Ian Cassells was one of the busiest competitors at Ballindenisk, and while he went well with all of them, he was especially pleased to land second spot with Gerry Leahy’s Millridge Atlantis. A winner at Blackstairs earlier in the season, the clean jumping gelding moved up two ranks after dressage, to complete in front of Sadhbh Bolger (Into Mischief).

“It’s taken a little time to reach this point, as he’s been quite difficult in a way and a little bit of a worrier,” said Cassells. “So, it’s very rewarding to know that the time we have taken with him has paid off.”

Well related, the seven-year-old is by Dinan Cascaletto and, bred by Sean O’Loughlin, is a full-brother to Richard Ames’ two-star horse Belline Warrenstown Cruz.

In third spot, and also double clear, Co Waterford-based young rider Sadhbh Bolger has wasted no time in cementing her new partnership with Into Mischief.

The Brianne Stanley-bred seven-year-old, who had previously been campaigned both by his breeder and Michael O’Toole, was bought by the Bolger family during the winter. Their form over their quartet of runs this season has been faultless, and while he a strong, forward ride, the pair have really gelled.

“I ride out at Henry de Bromhead’s every morning,” explained Bolger. “If I hadn’t been used to riding those strong horses and learnt how to ride them, I couldn’t have done this – it’s been so beneficial.”

A costly jumping error saw Michael Ryan slip from second to fourth with Clara Olala, leaving Noah Brown to slot into fifth with Quick Step Up. Although the cross country rode well for the majority, it did have its share of problems. Two riders incurred isolated 20 penalties, while one walked home. There were also two falls, but thankfully, both Heidi Hamilton and Katie Riley were unscathed.