EI 115 class

IN only their second attempt at the level, Michael McNally aboard Paula Stammschroer’s Assagart Earl, swept aside the opposition to head a strong field in the EI 115 by over five marks.

A new partnership this season, the traditionally bred son of Golden Master was formerly ridden by Stammschroer’s daughter Stephanie, with the ride passing to McNally earlier this year.

Taking up the story, Paula explained, “Stephanie decided at the end of last year that she wanted to give up and left me with six horses! Michael has been really good to step in and help, and has had this boy for about a month.”

Sourced through Co Wexford agent Victoire Von Schoen, the seven-year-old gelding was bought from top showing breeder Mary Roche two years ago. “He’s a typical traditional and has taken time, but he’s such a gentleman and we do think he has four-star potential. He will go to the CCIYH-2* at Millstreet next week, and of course, like all of ours at the moment, he is for sale.”

Having chased all the way, Godfrey Gibbons enjoyed yet another good run with the consistent mare Milchem Miami, from Keelin McCarthy aboard the imported Romans Mr Kane.

Win for Ennis

A further 20 went to post in the open intermediate sector (EI15 O) which produced a result that went largely with form. Sarah Ennis and Millstreet-bound Dourough Ferro Class Act, who have yet to be out of the top three all season, dominated from the front, while second spot fell to recent Lisgarvan winners Edie Murray-Hayden and Sandyhill Ceol.

Bang in form, Ennis also filled third aboard the smart mare Lady Acton M, leaving Joseph Murphy in fourth with seasonal debutante and Kentucky hero Calmaro. “He’s still quite a baby,” said Ennis. “We didn’t get to run at Le Lion d’Angers which would have crowned him. However, Millstreet will be big and bold which I like, so fingers crossed.”

Although only two runners picked up faults in the country and only three erred over the coloured poles, time penalties jostled the remaining order, affecting most notably Sam Watson, who having opened in second place with Ballyneety Rocketman, slipped out of contention.