Round-Up

PAUL Donovan’s Fethard-based stable has enjoyed a fruitful two weeks in the RDS young event horse qualifiers, so it was timely that the yard’s resident rider Corentin Gautier added to the celebrations when winning the EI100 aboard Cashel 13. At only 19 years old, the former French show jumper has adapted well to his new discipline and is according to Donovan, “quite speedy and likes going fast”. He has certainly gelled well with the rangy Cashel 13, who bred by Shane Breen, will probably upgrade next time out.

Dominic Furnell’s ultra-consistent Ballycahane Omars Dream was also fault-free to take second, from Felicity Ward and Egan’s Watermill Crest filling third.

Co Wexford’s Tracy Walshe has been missed on the event circuit for the past two years, so it was good to see her back with a win in the EI90. Teaming up with her own five-year-old Newmarket Equador, Walshe dominated from the front, and holding a three-mark advantage, held off the challenge from second-placed Cliona Ni Liathain aboard her event debutante West Mount Wind Chimes.