RACKING up not only a notable Kilguilkey treble but also an incredible 12th win of the current campaign, Co Meath-based Amanda Goldsbury dominated the novice sections. She headed both EI100 divisions from the front, before delivering a similar classy performance in the final EI90.

What makes the feat even more significant, is that although Goldsbury was an acclaimed dressage rider in her native New Zealand, she only began eventing seriously this year. In fact, it was only due to her partner Michael McNally’s injury earlier this spring that she was encouraged to take over his string. “There was no other option,” said Michael. “We had to keep the horses going – and now she loves it!”

First up to gain his third win on the bounce was the level first timer Hale Zorro. Only a five-year-old, the son of the Connemara event pony Mr Hale Bob (dam by Coevers Diamond Boy) shared his winning score with Kathy Charlton and Class Vista, but closer to the optimum time, the former ultimately headed the field by the narrowest of margins. Charlton settled for the second spot with her attractive son of Orestus, from Brian Morrison who also kept a clean sheet with Global Jazz.

Goldsbury appears to have struck up an affinity with thoroughbreds, and especially with the EI100 (A) winner Murph’s Legend (Alkaadhem). Clocking up a hat-trick of seasonal wins, the five-year-old gelding ran in a point-to-point last spring, but adapting better to his new sport led the field by a distance. Chasing all the way, in a sector where dressage was the decider, Daniel Alderson filled second with Richard Ames’ event debutante Beline Second Chance, from Sarah Ennis (Sligo Candy Cane).

Meanwhile, Goldsbury’s EI90 winner Secret Approach (Gamut) had a far busier racing career, running 13 times under rules for trainer Neil McKnight and picking up two placings on the way. Another to appear to enjoy his new career, the seven-year-old produced a very smart winning test to score just 24.0 and to head Sian Coleman with Ivanhoe by over two marks.

Underage classes

Following the mad dash of team selections and qualifications, the underage classes have now relaxed into smaller and more open fields. In the junior EI110, Zara Nelson clocked up a good win when, riding OLS Pixie Hollow, she maintained her opening advantage over the in-form Allanah Kelly, who settled for second and third spot riding Cooley Bounce and the previously unbeaten Albert VI.

Only one of the three runners completed without error in the EI110 (P) so landing an easy victory, the top spot went to Aine Duggan with Manninard Diarmuid. In contrast, the EI100 (P) proved far more straightforward, so it was disappointing for dressage leader Cameron O’Neill when Inchmore Ranger refused to go no further than the table fence at the third.

The remaining eight starters had no trouble however, and in dressage order, Kilian Murphy scooped the rewards with his full Connemara Cullintra Golden Daylight. A son of Burning Daylight, the seven-year-old first-timer completed on 34.5, just in front of Ava Dowley with Robin Hoods Gentle Cloud (35.0), while Rose Farrell was also double clear in third aboard Binaree Pretty Polly.

Murphy (Glengyle Miracle) was unlucky not to land a double in the EI90 (P) and eventually had to settle for the runner-up place behind Keelan Murray (Kellys Dream). Only two of the four runners completed.