CLAIMING the fourth British win of the weekend, Holly Woodhead landed a rewarding if narrow victory in the CCI2*-S.

Having had mixed fortunes over the few days, Woodhead made no mistakes in this short format class and led from pillar to post.

Riding the German bred six-year-old Benicia, she impressed Ground Jury members Jane Starkey (GBR) and Janet Surr (GBR) on day one and added nothing further to her opening score of 25.8.

A first season event horse and a winner on her last international two-star run in England, Woodhead is understandably excited about her future. “She was bought in Germany as a five-year-old, and has just been amazing all year,” she remarked. “I was conscious of the fact that the going was deteriorating as the day progressed, so was especially pleased with how she coped.”

Now based with agent Francesca Pollara at her Kemble based yard in Gloucestershire, Woodhead also rides for the Scudaria 1918 event horse team.

Exciting

One of the most interesting and exciting new partnerships to hit the Irish circuit is that of Esib Power and Sarah Hughes’ highly-rated mare Shannondale Mari. This was the first opportunity to view the mare on home turf and, completing on her dressage score just 0.1 in arrears of the winner, she did not disappoint.

Like Woodhead, Power delivered her test in the worst of Friday’s rain, but nothing daunted the mare who produced a calm and accurate performance.

A Monart sale purchase as a three-year-old, she was initially produced through the young horse series in England, before moving to Alexander Bragg last year. With Bragg she was a multiple winner, but when the owner/rider association drew to a conclusion last month, the ride passed to Power.

As her name suggests she was bred by Martin Walsh at the Shannondale Stud and, by Shannondale Sarco out of Shannondale Maria (Lux Z), is a full-sister to the advanced horse Shannondale Percy.

Now running under the Irish flag, she has recently been selected for Le Lion d’Angers and looks a strong contender for a medal. “I’m delighted to have her and really looking forward to Le Lion. However, whatever happens in Le Lion will be a bonus, as she’s a proper one for the future. She’s still a baby, and I know there is still a lot of improvement in her,” said Power.

As the professionals filled the top three places, it was the Kilkenny-based Nicky Roncoroni who moved into third spot with the chesnut Poynstown Braeve. Another autumn sale three-year-old graduate, and this time from the Go For Gold sale, the six-year-old son of Clover Flush (bred by Paula Widger) also completed on his first phase score (29.1).

Looking very powerful in the country, he more than pleased his owner/rider who commented: “It’s been worth being patient with him, and a good way to finish the year. He loved the mud and is an exciting prospect for next season.”

Withdrawals

Well-placed with three horses, Brian Morrison was among five riders opting to withdraw before cross country, and as a result the field opened considerably. Not all benefitted, but the top six all produced double clear rounds, while four Irish riders completed the lower end of the top 10.

Good outings were had by Antonia Ward (Christopher Robin), Steven Smith with Izzietop (8th), Felicity Ward who filled ninth with Egan’s Watermill Swatch, and Padraig McCarthy (Fiveberry) in 10th.

The cross-country track was fairly undemanding, but in the tacky ground it was not without incident. Holding a top-six place overnight, Dominic Furnell was unlucky to fall at the corner three from home, while the same mistake at the same fence also saw Tony Kennedy part company with Arkan Player.