Sally Parkyn

IN stark contrast to the crisp and clear weather that blessed its first event back in April, conditions at Kedrah Castle last Sunday were decidedly damp. Persistent drizzle was accompanied by a blustery wind and, not for the first time at the venue, competitors were grateful for the copious hard standing on site.

Although unwelcome, the rain also played its part easing the sting in the ground which, despite becoming slippery in places, was well covered by grass.

“The weather tested us, but the ground held up well and, proving the versatility of the land, not one vehicle needed to be pulled out,” reflected organiser Pat Meagher. “We were proud of the course and constantly try to get the flow. We had put a lot of work into the building of it and, as a result, very few fences were duplicated. Kedrah offers a great variety of terrain, and handling it is all part of the horse’s education.”

The roomy positioning of the dressage and show jumping arenas, which was trialled in April, worked well again, as did the reverse running of the cross-country track. With senior EI stewards Gillian Kyle and Nicky Kelly on board this time around, some of the cross-country features had been altered, most notably at the main water complex in the two-star class.

In a major change, the first of two imposing blue roll-tops was placed on dry ground on the approach to the water, while the second remained at the exit. This combination rode much better and indeed the entire complex seemed to flow more smoothly from this direction.

Two-star riders also had an extra loop and as well as a tricky corner (7) in the far reaches of the course. The latter rode without incident, although its oblique angle did necessitate a couple of rather abrupt handbrake turns.

The number of twists and turns, combined with galloping stretches were common to all tracks so, with the addition of the inclement weather, it was unsurprising that not one pairing in the one or two-star classes returned home within the time.

Co Kildare’s James O’Haire was certainly in no hurry to beat the clock but still emerged as the popular winner of the O/CNC**. Making an emotional return to the sport after injury and bereavement, O’Haire and China Doll dominated the dressage (29.6) and, despite carrying 17.2 time penalties as well as four from the show jumping, led Patrick Byrne by a distance.

It has been a tough few months for O’Haire, who badly smashed his foot in a fall two months ago, and then tragically lost his mother Hazel after a long illness.

“Without a doubt Ma was looking down on me today,” he said afterwards. “Before I set out, I said to myself that I would try to win this for Ma and also for my owner Patricia Heffernan who has been absolutely class to me.”

As this was their first run since winning at Millstreet back in March, the usually speedy pair was happy to take their time.

“My intention was always to go for a safe clear,” he added. “The track was twisty enough, and it was slippery in the two-star. The fence coming out of the water was a big one, but although it walked big, it rode well.

“Time was tight - the wind and heavy rain made it extra hard but the ground rode better as the day progressed.”

Prior to his accident, O’Haire and China Doll were due to travel to Saumur in France, but plans were put on hold.

“Obviously we had to withdraw and then Tattersalls also came up too soon. We will have a re-think now. The four-star at Pau was the original target, but the way things have turned out, Boekelo may be an alternative.”

Clocking easily the fastest round of the class to pick up 9.2 time penalties was second-placed Patrick Byrne aboard Anne Kavanagh’s Ballyorney Taipe Rouge (55.1). Holding the distinction of producing the sole show jumping clear round from the field of 10, the duo led Michelle Kenny with Euralia A (56.0).

Two runners initially went head to head in the O/CNC*, but when Louise Bloomer and Cavamiro took an uncharacteristic tumble (at the bank at 6), Chloe Loane and Wervelwind completed unchallenged. Winners at junior level already this season, the pair were also well placed in open company at Clyda last week.

Mindful of the conditions, riders rode equally sensibly in the following CNC*.

Once again, none came anywhere near the time allowed, but Brian Morrison hit the right balance of pace to win with the highly rated mare Ex (Contador).

Lying in second spot on the flat (26.5), Morrison produced two classy jumping rounds with the seven-year-old, and despite adding 15.2 time penalties pipped the speedier Eddie Burrell (Fernhill Finnegan) on 44.2. First phase leaders Camilla Speirs with LEB Liath Jewel were also clear but, a touch slower in the country, they dropped to third on 47.1.

“I think she’ll be a proper one,” declared a delighted Morrison. “She’s been show jumping until this year, and I wasn’t sure if she would be on for the cross-country. She loves it though, she gallops away and it has really settled her for the other phases.

Suffering mixed fortunes, Eddie Burrell recorded one of only two blips on the scoreboard when he fell with Metropolitan and the Avenue Wall (5), while John Glynn gained his E for omitting fence two.