FIVE years after winning their last class at the venue, Jayne Doherty and The Only One put in a class performance to land the first Horse First CNC*** national title. In a competition that surprised at every turn, the northern duo produced a blistering round in the country, reversing placings with leaders Sarah Ennis and BLM Diamond Delux in the final moments.

Delivering one of only three double clears, and adding just 7.2 time penalties to their opening score, Doherty said: “I came here with no expectations, which almost makes it even better!”

While Doherty’s fifth-placed flatwork mark (50.2) was competitive, heading out into the country she was still nearly seven marks adrift of Ennis (43.6) and Joseph Murphy and Electric Cruise (45.6).

Peter Fell’s championship track was never going to be straightforward though, and as the first four failed to complete, Fell must have wondered if he had gone a step too far.

Much to the relief of all, clear rounds slowly began to emerge, and among these was Ennis, who retained her lead with the immaculate BLM Diamond Delux. In gathering 17.2 time faults, however, she had clearly left the door wide open, and rising to the challenge, Doherty shaved seconds at every opportunity, finally scraping home to win on 57.4.

“To be national champion is very special, and as it was so tough I felt as though I really earned it. I came here with a change in mentality – to go aggressively at the challenge, and I felt I’m a different rider because of it,” said Doherty.

Camphire is next on the agenda for her 15-year-old mount, followed by a tilt at the Pau CCI**** in October.

Ennis was pragmatic in defeat. The Olympic Lux gelding has had a light campaign this summer, and although has been regularly show jumping was a little short on fast work.

“He has only cantered once in six weeks, so I am delighted,” she said afterwards.

Another good performance was recorded by young rider Cathal Daniels, who progressed through the ranks to fill third with the junior European gold medallist mare Rioghan Rua.

Polishing off a good weekend, the Co Galway pair clocked the fasted round of the class and collected the valuable mare and breeder’s award in the process.

Others to impress were Patricia Ryan, who, double-handed with Tullineaskey Hi Ho and Dunrath Eclipse, filled fourth and fifth spots, and young rider Elizabeth Hayden, who produced a very mature round with Classic Piper in sixth.

The problems around Fell’s championship track were well spread out.

The angled hedges (11a/b) caused early difficulties for pathfinder Jayne Doherty (The Precious One) and expensively for Murphy (Electric Cruise), as well as an isolated stop for Sarah Wardell with Knockeven Harry.

The latter also clocked up 20 penalties at the final water, an accuracy test than proved the end of the road for Murphy, and also for Louise Codd with Ballycreen Milord.

Running alongside the main arena, the acutely angled Eventing Ireland barrels (6) were responsible for a single glance-off for November Night (Ciaran Glynn), as well as retirement for Brian Coleman and The Caveman.