NEARLY 300 miles away in Co Cork, a big entry of riders enjoyed a similarly good day at Clyda. The recent spell of dry weather could have posed problems for the organiser David O’Meara, but armed with ground aerating equipment, he produced conditions that drew praise from all.

“They did a huge amount of aerovating, and did a really good job,” declared O/CNC2* winner and rider’s representative Alison Holden. “Many of the take-off and landings were sanded as well, and the bigger classes show jumped on the sand arena – it was all much appreciated.”

Riding her popular O My Balladeer, Co Waterford-based Holden has made a successful step up to three-star in recent weeks, but she like many others, came to Clyda for a warm-up before next week’s international at Millstreet. Certainly she couldn’t have wished for a better preparation, as the son of My O My led the high-class field from pillar to post, winning on his first phase score of 28.2. “His test felt very good, but he’s well established at the level,” added Holden.

There were less than two marks separating the top six on the flat, but Holden drew clear after delivering one of four double clears. Always in contention, Sam Watson moved up to fill second with Tullabeg Flamenco, from young rider squad member Tessa Harley, who slotted into third with Catsky.

Show jumping clears were hard come by in the following CNC2*, and although they lowered a rail, dressage leaders Michael McNally and Stonehavens Dream led the field of 10 from the front. A broken rein ultimately forced retirement at Camphire two weeks ago, so this win was a timely one.

“She’s an easy mare, but I just wanted to make sure all was in order before Millstreet,” commented McNally. Sourced from Ciara Power at the start of last year, the eight-year-old mare is aiming to step to three-star before the end of the season. While the cross-country proved largely trouble free, the show jumping remained influential. Also tipping a pole, Padraig Harington (Tullabeg Vision) moved into second place, from Sarah Dowley with Shannondale Dita.

Having produced a super test feature O/CNC2* Robbie Kearns later slipped down the order, but he made no errors when heading the pack in the O/CNC*. Riding his young rider team partner Garrybritt Bonnie, Kearns remained fault-free to complete in front of the Tracey Walsh-ridden duo of Summerbridge Lily and Loughnavatta Cedar.

Having played the role of host and course designer at Crecora event the previous weekend, Dominic Furnell was back in the saddle to claim a competitive CNC* from the outset.

Riding Knockahunna French Twist (French Buffet), Furnell withstood the challenge from the 25 runners, to win on 23.3, less than a mark ahead Bridget McCauley (Apollos Landing) and Rodney O’Donnell with Hillcrest Horizon.

ROUND-UP

Emily McQuade is establishing a promising partnership with the experienced Brightside, and making only their third run together headed the 14 starters in the CNCJ*. Dressage leader Danielle Magner (Woodfield Boomerang) lost her pole position after a stop in the country, but benefitting Luke Coen stepped up into second with Political Cover Up.

Local rider Felicity Ward won the EI105 class with Olga Scully’s course and distance winner Castle Arkan, while Ruth Burke racked up her fourth EI100P victory with the consistent My Late Find.

In the EI100J division, Sophie Foyle had led the dressage with Fernill Ruby, but an error in the show jumping later handed victory to the clean jumping pairing of Jim Tyrell (Tatyana Ramirovna) and promotion to the second placed duo of Luke Coen (Solidaire Dirlande).

James O’Haire bounced back from his Camphire fall, to head the EI 100 from flag fall. Riding his own five-year-old Rolex, O’Haire shared the same score (25.5) with second placed Jessica O’Driscoll riding Carrigdhoun Cool Lad.

Co Wicklow’s Luke Drea has been on sparkling form with his young horses, and picked up a smart one/two in the final EI90.

Anne Bannon’s home-bred Goreshill Jack (Jack of Diamonds) took the top spot on 24.3, from the mare Kilcandra Reward.

Finally, Brian Kuehnle won unopposed in the CNCP2* with Pinegrove Seoige, while Godfrey Gibbons and Twilight Thunder emerged as the better of the two runners in the EI90P.