FOURTEEN-year-old Jenny Kuehnle is no stranger to international honours on the show jumping circuit but, fast gaining a similar record on the event track, she racked up her biggest win to date in the Horsezone.co.uk CIC*.

Partnering Rafael Sanctuary’s Scattery Katie, the Co Laois rider had filled third spot overnight (43.3), before two foot-perfect rounds of jumping elevated her into pole position.

“I’m thrilled with her, as she only came to me in the spring,” she said of the daughter of Kahtan (dam by Diamond Serpent). “We are long listed for the junior squad, so we need to do another two-star (at Ballinamona) and then the one-star at Camphire.”

Kuehnle has juggled the two disciplines over the past two years, but this season is concentrating on eventing.

“I am in the process of building up the jumping string, so at the moment I ride about four of each at home each day. I love both sports, and it’s dependent on the horse I’m riding, but I really love eventing,” she added.

The nine-year-old Scattery Katie was produced in her early career by Stephen McAvinchey, and sourced last year by Sanctuary and River Lodge Eventing.

“We spotted her at Crecora,” explained Sanctuary’s partner Michelle Kenny. “She’s traditionally-bred, and a type not easily found. We think she’s seriously good and would love to think she would make the junior team.”

Chasing Kuehnle throughout, and denied victory by a single show jumping error, was Neil Morrison and the highly-rated Black Ice. Only a six-year-old, the son of Vechta (dam by Touchdown) had impressed on the flat to gain fourth place, but a costly rub of a pole demoted them to seventh overnight (46.6). With ground to make up, Morrison wasted no time around the country, recording easily the fastest time of the class.

“He’s still very green, but always looking forward,” he remarked of the gelding, who is owned by Caroline Dennison, daughter of point-to-point supremo Wilson. In fact it was Caroline who did the early work of the youngster, before he was sent to Neil for “the finishing touches.” Both owner and rider harbour an ambition to end the season in Le Lion D’Angers, but first on the agenda is the young horse CIC* at Camphire.

Completing a memorable weekend, Felicity Ward slotted into third with Richard Ames’ consistent Ballinahinch Jack. Impressive CNC* winners at Grove the previous week, the pair made giant leaps up the leaderboard from an initial 13th place, completing on their opening score of 46.9.

“He’s come on really well, and has done everything we have asked of him,” commented Ames. Bred by Con Ryan, the Jack of Diamonds sired seven-year-old spent time show jumping with Jason Higgins last season before Jo Dudley introduced him to eventing in the autumn.

As the CIC* incorporated an official pony trial, together with a separate prize fund, there was a strong and influential pony presence. As a result, several were involved in the business end of affairs and one who would have won had she remained in the pony ranks was Lucy Hancock’s pony Corries Whiskey.

Now out of the age group, and more than holding her own in senior company, Hancock held pole position on the flat before finally completing in fourth spot (47.0).

Among other to complete on their dressage scores were sixth-placed Michael Ryan (Ballylynch Brian Boru), Gavin Smiddy (Readstown Frankie) in seventh, and eighth placed Michelle Kenny with The Irish Drummer Boy.

Joseph Murphy also finished well with his duo, filling ninth aboard The Mistress, and eleventh aboard Carsonstown Lord.

The track rode well for the seniors, with just four clocking up penalties.