Sally Parkyn

NEW Zealander Jesse Campbell celebrated his 26th birthday in style when he scooped the first leg of a Millstreet double in the CIC***. Riding Kaapachino, Campbell was a class act from start to finish, and having led the dressage on 37.9 added a further 6.4 penalties for time. This was the Kiwi’s fourth appearance on Irish soil but Kaapachinos first return visit since winning the Tattersalls’ CCI**U25 back in 2011.

“He’s a very, very special campaigner,” said Campbell of the 12-year-old. “He’s a full thoroughbred and raced on the track in New Zealand before he turned to eventing. I’ve owned him since he was five, and although he’s probably the least talented of my horses, he has the biggest heart and tries every inch of the way.”

While Campbell comfortably led from pillar to post, a battle ensued for the lower placings. Despite tipping the final fence in Saturday’s show jumping phase, compatriot Tim Price recorded a blistering round with the Irish-bred Bango, moving into second spot (47.6) as a result. “It was my fault we had the pole down – and it took the pressure off Jesse,” he said afterwards. “However Bango is an up and coming horse, and I’m delighted with him. He still needs more mileage, so we will probably come back for the CIC*** at Ballindenisk next month.” Bred by James Foley in Co Wexford, and sourced through Donal Barnwell, the nine-year-old son of Garrison Royale is out of No Sale by Don Tristan.

Although the clock denied Ireland’s Aoife Clark (Fernhill Adventure) the runner up spot, she was more than happy to slot into third place on a score of 48.6. Leading the pack after the first day of dressage – and in the worst of the conditions, the English-based pair produced two impressive jumping performances.

“I may have shaved off a few seconds if I had gone later in the day, but he is probably more of a three-day horse and Blenheim is the aim,” Clark said. “He’s very special – he’s a tall horse and still needs some furnishing and there is a lot more to come.”

Winner of his last three outings in England, the well-related son of Newmarket Venture was one of two in the class out of Mary Quinlivan’s Cloverwood (Clover Hill), the other being the Ciaran Glynn-ridden Gee Que.

Heading the British challenge, Lauren Shannon and Quality Purdey filled fourth spot (52.2) less than a penalty ahead of the home trio of Sarah Ennis (BLM Diamond Delux) on 52.6, Aoife Clark again with Wasting Light (53.4) and Sam Watson riding Horseware Bushman (53.6). Other good home side results included Watson again aboard the youngster Imperial Sky (9th) and Lucy Latta, whose solid performance with DHI Broadway earned her 18th position.

Mike Etherington-Smith’s track was as educational as it was picturesque. It had been described in the preview as suitable for a first timer, and as a result produced 38 clear rounds from the 44 who set out. Negotiated twice, the Irish Sports Council Shamrock water proved influential in both directions, accounting for the first of three problems for British rider Julie Tew and HHS Foracruise, and an uncharacteristic home run tumble for Ciaran Glynn with Gee Que. The big grey recorded the sole fall of the class, although Esib Power walked home after retiring September Bliss at the tricky downhill combination at nine. The same fence added 20 penalties to the score of Tegan White (Texan Style) whereas it was the Prayer Walk double (15b) that delivered similar faults to Allan McSweeney and Rock A Bye Balladeer. New Zealander Dan Jocelyn and Phoenix L looked to be going very smoothly, but marred their good round when glancing past the very narrow skinny (14b) at the Tattersalls Ireland brush to triple brush at the furthest end of the course.

The optimum time proved more significant with none of the runners beating the clock. Speed also played a part in a beautifully built show jumping track. While just under half of the field were clear, a seemingly tight time allowed initially added time faults to many. This was later attributed to an incorrect reading on the timing apparatus and the time was extended by two seconds as a result.