IT would have been hard to have penned a better script, as the Sema Lease Camphire International Horse Trials and Country Fair drew to an emotional close last Sunday evening.

If Sam Watson’s brilliant victory in the feature CCIO4*-S and team Ireland’s close second in the Nations Cup wasn’t drama enough, moments later it was announced that the eventing legend Sir Mark Todd had retired from the sport.

Taking his place on the podium as a member of the winning New Zealand FEI Nations Cup team, Todd had bowed out at the top, having made the final decision only a few minutes earlier. As social media channels shared the news and beamed the name of Camphire Horse Trials across the world, there was barely a dry eye around as the spectating public realised they had truly witnessed the end of an era.

Of course, even that surprise revelation took nothing away from the achievements of Ireland’s Sam Watson and Sian Coleman, whose victories crowned a magnificent weekend of sport. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Camphire had attracted a record-breaking number of entries, and hosting the Irish leg of the FEI Nation’s Cup series, welcomed riders from no less than 16 countries.

This was a massive step up for the organising committee who, led by Paul and Alan Brady have to be congratulated for their efforts. To deliver such an outstanding international fixture, on what is a green field site is a credit to all concerned.

Even the weather played its part, as the picturesque backdrop of Camphire House and the River Blackwater basked in almost unbroken sunshine.

“What can I say – it’s an been unbelievable weekend,” reflected organiser and course designer Paul Brady.

“I’m stuck for words, and I certainly couldn’t have done it without such a great team behind me.

“The gate receipts have increased considerably, the tracks rode well, and of course the icing on the cake has been watching Sam and Sian win their classes.

“As a course builder, I was really pleased with the results and to see the trouble spread well around the courses. Looking forward, it’s given me much more confidence as a designer.”

Growing success

While Camphire has held its international status for 10 years, host Henry Wilks reflected on the very first event staged on the site 20 years ago. “Famously, the show jumping was held in the field by the river – only to be flooded by a spring tide!” he said. “Since then, a big number of people have remained as loyal supporters, and this weekend’s success has been built on their passion.”

The feedback from the riders and owners at this enduringly popular fixture was extremely positive. The staging of the Nations Cup had necessitated a far higher bar, and the infrastructure that accompanies it.

Streaming

The top German scoring company rechenstelle.de spearheaded by Peter Janssen came on board to much appreciation, while the live streaming introduced by Tadgh Ryan’s Bit Media was viewed by well over 75,000 event enthusiasts world-wide.

On that note, it was a shame that FEI restrictions prevented them from viewing the Nations Cup class, which unlike earlier editions at Houghton and Pratoni, was limited to FEI subscribers only. In the wider interests of the sport, this appears to be a backward step and has not been a popular move.

On a more positive note, a special mention needs to go to show jumping course designer Anne Waistell, whose tracks delivered a perfect balance and some thrilling conclusions. The beautiful Dromana Bridge fence in the main arena was the recipient of much praise, while further plaudits are due to many, many volunteers and supporters, but most notably to the hosts and land owners the Wilks and the Browne families.