WHILE it may seem that almost every recent southern event route leads to Co Cork, how lucky are riders to be supported by a band of enthusiastic organisers, and venues like Clyda open and willing to run. Last Sunday the O’Meara family’s Mallow track stepped in to stage its third renewal of the year, and on a beautiful Indian summer day, the riverside family farm looked at its very best.

The organisers had also made big efforts with the ground, and though the tracks were similar to the ones used three weeks ago, they were strong in the one-star sectors and educational in all. Many riders were seeking last minute qualifications for this weekend’s National Championships at nearby Kilguilkey House, while others were pleased to get their young horses out following the Millstreet international seven days earlier.

O/CNC*

Sophie Walshe’s thoroughbred Kinsau has only had two runs this year, but impressing on each occasion, he followed up his runner-up placing at Finvoy the previous week, to land the O/CNC* by a distance.

The Mullingar-based duo led the five runners across the country in pole position, and adding nothing further to their opening mark (29.8) headed Brian Morrison (Camden Diamond) on 35.3 and Alice Copithorne with Fort Arthur Going For Gold (37.0).

The winning nine-year-old son of Indian Danehill was sourced from Ciaran Murphy and Dot Love four years ago, having had just one run under rules. “Ciaran always had the belief that he could do another job,” explained Walshe. “He had hunted, but we spent two years mainly doing flat work before we began eventing.”

The pair then rose through the eventing ranks, and having been selected to represent Ireland at the young rider European championships at Millstreet last year, were the second highest placed of the home nation. “I’m away at UCD, so I really have to credit my mother Charlotte for keeping him ticking over,” added Walshe, who will be contesting the national CNC2* championships at Kilguilky this weekend.

CNC*

The smart six-year-old Carra Lux Quality has turned many heads since he appeared in the young event horse series two years ago, and under new rider Fraser Duffy he did so again when winning the CNC* from the front. Formerly owned and ridden by Emma Jackson, he was snapped up by Carol Gee during the past couple of weeks, and Duffy could not be more pleased with this debut performance. “I think he’s stunning,” said the Fernhill rider. ”I’m still learning how to ride him, but he feels like a proper four-star horse. He has the potential to do a really good test, and across the country he felt rangy, brave and effortless. His jump is spectacular, and he’s one I would quite like to keep!”

Remaining in dressage order, another eye-catcher was the second-placed The Ridge Cardento ridden by Felicity Ward for owner/breeder Ian Smyth. Only a six-year-old, and with comparatively little mileage, the son of Cardento produced a stylish double clear round (30.3), as did Lee Maher who filled third spot aboard Patrick Purcell’s 10-year-old Garrison Phoenix Rising (30.8). Although the final result remained largely in dressage order, there was several problems out on track. The skinny triple brush (8b) following the drop bank caused a glance off for the well placed Gorsehill Jack (Luke Drea), as well as an unfortunate elimination for the usually clear Bonmahon Liberation (Sarah Dowley). Another to call it a day was Sophie Walshe, whose six-year-old Herobrine uncharacteristically took a dislike to the roll tops on the mounds.