ULTIMATELY separated by 0.2 of a second, Camilla Speirs and Sam Watson took the result right to the wire in the Castleacres Insurance Brokers CCI2*. In the tightest finish not only of the weekend, but possibly in Irish international eventing history, the duo remained on the same score from pillar to post. Riding BT Cloud Nine and Imperial Sky, they both opened on a winning mark of 42.3, before adding an identical 1.2 time penalties in the country.

According to Equiratings, both were likely to have a fence down in the final phase, but jumping immaculately, each were faultless throughout. Confusion then reigned as to who was the winner, but having consulted the FEI rule book, it was finally disclosed that, having produced the fastest show jumping round, the honours fell to Speirs. This was an emotional and deserved victory for the Kildare rider, who has nursed the talented son of Golden Master through serious injury and subsequent recuperation. “Following his injury at home, he now has five pins in his fetlock and pastern,” explained Speirs.

“Claire O’Dowd of Sycamore Lodge did the most incredible job, and to have him back up and running within 18 months, and to have him moving and feeling better than ever is amazing. He now has such a bright future, and hopefully we can move up to three-star later this year.”

Despite his disappointment, Watson took it on the chin. He was more than pleased with the performance of his wife Hannah’s and Tom and Cathy Byrne’s Imperial Sky, saying. “He did everything right. We were always conscious of getting him back on form, and he was super today.”

Chasing throughout, and retaining his third place was popular British rider Francis Whittington. Teaming up with Victoria Matthews’s Nimrod, the Sussex rider added just 0.4 to his first phase score, and reflecting on this his first visit to Camphire said, “I’ve had a brilliant birthday week (Whittington celebrated his 40th birthday on Friday) and will be back again. This is eventing like it used to be – fun, and enjoyable. The courses are inviting and educational, the designers have used the terrain to its full advantage, there has been great hospitality, and I’ve enjoyed the whole package.” The nine-year-old Nimrod 11 is a new ride for Whittington, and was formerly ridden and produced by Kiwi rider Sammi Birch. “I’m very lucky to ride him, as he is on the way up and is one for the future,” he added.

From an Irish perspective, Brian Morrison had a good double clear with Ballymolloy Rogan to fill fifth, and Patrick Byrne also went well with BGS Country Dreams in seventh.

The class didn’t all go the winner’s way however, as he was one of three fallers in the country.

Riding Evento, Whittington turned upsides down in the at the first element of the Irish Horse Gateway water (6a) while, having produced a personal best in the dressage, compatriot Sian Hawkes was kicking herself after parting company with Kilroe Hero in the hollow (15).

Ireland’s Andrew Turley also walked home after falling with Devils Bit at the Reinrite Shelter (4).