THE thoroughbred sales don’t really concern Ian Cassells but, because of them, he has taken over the ride on Libertatem and Arkan Player as their usual partner, Tony Kennedy, is busy prepping yearlings and foals for Goffs and Tattersalls.

The new arrangement had a near perfect start at Frankfort Stud (2) last Sunday when Libertatem won the 21-runner EI110 where Arkan Player finished sixth. The former, who led after dressage, picked up 2.4 cross-country time penalties for a total of 25.4 while Arkan Player, who had a fence down show jumping, was also slightly over the time on the final leg for a total of 36.2.

Two combinations completed on their Jillie Rogers-awarded dressage marks, Fraser Duffy on Ken Black (25.8), who finished second, and the third-placed pairing of James O’Haire with Dalestown Castlebar HFS (29.5). There were very few problems over the fixed fences.

“There were a few changes to the cross-country since the first day here but the show jumping area was a lot better,” said Cassells of the Co Wexford venue. “There was a great covering of grass everywhere and, considering all the rain that fell recently, you’d have to say that the going was pretty much perfect. I was really pleased with all my horses (he rode three in the EI100).”

Not too surprisingly, all seven who took on the cross-country challenge in the EI110 (Open) finished clear of jumping penalties, with the fastest round being recorded by Paddy Byrne whose total of 35.7 penalties on Castle Arkan included 2.4 for time on the final leg.

However, that was only good enough for second as, although he picked up double that number of penalties over the fixed fences, James O’Haire was in command after dressage and then a clear show jumping round to complete on 30.6 with China Doll.

Having her first start since mid-May last year, Patricia Heffernan’s Warrenstown You 2 mare will head for the EI115 Open tomorrow at Lisgarvan (a venue where she has won twice previously at this level).

“I was delighted with the mare and will decide on which class I’ll aim her for at Ballindenisk after Lisgarvan,” said O’Haire. “I was also pleased with my seven-year-old (Dalestown Castlebar HFS) who finished third in the EI110 and is qualified for Le Lion.”