THE absence of the Smith brothers certainly affected the entry numbers at Ballyvannon last Saturday but all who compete regularly in the Northern Region will have been delighted to learn of Trevor’s victory in the CIC1* at Ballindenisk on HHF Elegance.

Previously campaigned in her native England by Charlotte Allwood (and on one occasion by Rosie Alcorn), the tall Watermill Swatch mare has evented solely in the Northern Region this season, starting off with three runs in EI100 company before moving up to Novice.

As this was the final regional event of 2018, commentator Peter Quirke read out a lengthy list of people to be thanked for their input throughout the season, particularly landowners. The Glendinnings, who hosted Area 17’s dressage championships this year, were meant to run an EI event here in July but had to cancel because of the firm ground conditions.