It was a cold but fortunately dry day at the Hughes family’s seasonal opener, where riders enjoyed a good spin over some excellent going and well-presented courses. Although the tracks were barely changed from those of last year, they asked plenty of questions, and produced tight results in almost every class. The removal of the step at the exit of the first water was well received by riders, and certainly added to the flow at the beginning of the track.

“We were never concerned about the ground, only that we would be able to cut and gather the grass in time, and fortunately we were able to do that the previous weekend,” said Colette Hughes. “I think this is the first time that we have clashed with Badminton so, in light of that, we are delighted with the size of the entry. Plans are to do some course changes in the summer, and in time for our next fixture in September.”

RED MILLS SUPER LEAGUE

With both mares and Co Wicklow breeding making eventing headlines over the weekend, it was fitting that Luke Drea should land the feature Red Mills Super League O/CNC** class aboard Anne Bannon’s homebred Gorsehill Pearl.

The well-related daughter of Hermes de Reve stamped her authority from the outset, and completed on her opening score of 28.6.

“We had a lucky moment at fence four, where the ground was a bit holding and she landed on her nose,” reflected Drea. “Otherwise, we had a great trip and she will not run again before we travel to Tattersalls for the CIC***.”

From a good family, the nine-year-old has already produced two foals by embryo transfer, the first of which is a two-year-old filly by Jack of Diamonds. She is bred for either discipline, and coming along behind her is a smart yearling colt by Flexible.

Drea’s passage to victory was eased when nearest challengers Cathal Daniels and Mister Brightside uncharacteristically lowered two rails in the show jumping. This in turn opened up the field to benefit George Russell and Rock Spirit (30.5) who filled second, and Fraser Duffy and Primus third (31.8).

Surprisingly, five of the 25 experienced runners clocked up penalties in the country, three of which occurred at the tricky bank to skinny complex at three. Sarah Wardell and Killeenduff Boy decided to call it a day here, while the remaining runners erred at the upright corner at 18a.

Adding to the ‘ladies day’ feel, Cloonacauneen Black Beauty and Brian Morrison claimed pole position in the CNC**.

Well in touch in second spot after dressage on 33.6, the Co Cork pair eventually produced the sole double clear round of the class. It was an especially rewarding victory for Morrison, who has been patient with thi s talented but feisty performer. Formerly show jumped by Michael Duffy, the daughter of Ard VDL Douglas has progressed through the ranks, and was placed second in an equivalent class at Kilguilkey two weeks earlier.

“She felt very settled today, and for the first time she allowed me to ride her forward,” remarked the delighted rider. “I’m thrilled, she had rhythm and was foot-perfect everywhere.”

Two rails on the floor in the show jumping expensively demoted leaders Michelle Kenny and Limbo Kaiser to third spot, while Maria Byrne slotted into second aboard her 2013 junior squad partner Ballygrangans Dolly.

Once again, the mound at five was influential, but not as much as the corner (18a) which came up two forward strides after the second water. Both Brianne Stanley (Back To Business) and Luca Stubbington (Olivers Green) took heavy falls here, while Casey Webb and Hill Dancer also parted company.

ISH EVENTING SERIES

Posting his fourth home win of the current campaign, it came as no surprise to see Fraser Duffy also gain the first leg of the ISH six-year-old series aboard Fernhill Cayenne, albeit by a close shave.

After adding four show jumping penalties to his customary smart dressage mark of 29.5, Duffy ultimately headed Michael McNally (Readstown Frankie) by just 0.5 of a penalty.

“I’m really delighted with him today, because this is the first time he has really taken the cross-country on,” commented Duffy of Carol Gee’s charge.

“His show jumping is usually good, but he was brilliant pinging off the banks, which is always a worry with the youngsters when they come here for the first time. He’s qualified for Le Lion d’Angers now, so if he’s not sold that will be the aim.”

By Porsch, Fernhill Cayenne was bred by Jill Carberry out of her mare Molougha Flora. In common with Badminton victor Paulank Brockagh, the dam is out of a Triggero mare, this time by Rathlin Star.

Runner-up Michael McNally will have been equally pleased with the far less experienced Readstown Frankie (by Camiro de Haar Z), bred by Clive Pratt.

In only their second appearance under rules, and making their first attempt at the level, the duo completed ahead of Heidi Hamilton and Dam Easy.

Of the remainder, Camilla Speirs surrendered a second-placed dressage mark (33.0) when BT Cloud Nine clocked up 20 penalties at the double bank (fence five), as did Luke Drea and Avoca Druid.