THERE were 32 entries in the EI110 at Lightsource BP Tyrella (4) last Saturday but eight didn’t start while a further 10 withdrew before the cross-country phase.

Two combinations completed on their dressage scores, Rachel Rendle finishing first on her 10-year-old Cyrano mare Ballyvally Bay (33 penalties), on whom she won a similar class at Knockany on the final day of the Northern Region season last year, and Alex Houston placing third on Minty Imp (36).

Tara Dixon, who didn’t start Carracanada Kieran in the EI115 (Open), slotted into second when picking up 5.2 time penalties on the final leg with Mawillan (34.5), while Aidan Keogh, who is was good to see stayed to compete, added 8.4 cross-country time penalties to his winning dressage score (27.8) on Kilcoltrim Swift, finishing fourth.

Rendle, who is working as a freelance groom these days, hopes to move her mare up to EI115 level shortly and is planning to contest a handful of internationals during the year.

There was one retirement and two eliminations in this class, the John Gavin-owned and ridden Toome Ramiro Pippin falling at fence six (roll tops), while Joanne Jarden parted company with Quarryhill Calypso at the double of wooden boxes (14) in the sand dunes.

QUALIFICATION

After some deliberation, Noah Brown decided to tackle the final phase of the 12-runner EI110 (J) class with Euro Jackpot, who had lowered one show jump. The Dromara rider was delighted to have done so as he won on a total of 28.3, qualifying for Tattersalls in the process.

Co Laois’s Jennifer Kuehnle finished second here on Polly Blue Eyes (29.6) but landed the EI100 (J) on the Holstein mare Nekita, a 10-year-old by Nekton who completed on her dressage score (29.8) on her third start in Ireland. A fence down show jumping saw Tola Thompson finish second with flat work winner, Crackerjack VIII (33).

Lucy Ross won the four-runner pony class at this level with Littlefield Clover and is now two-for-two in her eventing career having scored on her debut at Clyda. At both venues, Ross and her mother Mary’s 10-year-old mare picked up 1.2 cross-country time penalties.

Emma Jackson picked a bad day weather-wise to make her seasonal debut in the EI100 but she had a a good result when winning and placing fourth on her dressage scores with Rubane Candy (28.8), a seven-year-old OB Active gelding, and Kiltown Watson (32.8) who are both owned by Jackie Harris. Eleven of the 37 horses entered didn’t start while three were withdrawn after dressage.

In the EI90, where seven of the 18 entries failed to meet their engagement, Victoria Clarke recorded her first success of the season when jumping a double clear on Supreme Rusticana (26.3). The bay mare’s sire isn’t recorded but she is out of the thoroughbred Noelleo (by Commanche Run).

There was just one non-starter from the nine entries in the EI90 (P) where, in spite of the addition of 1.2 cross-country time penalties, Poppy Moore led from start to finish to notch up her second win from four starts (she was second twice) on her mother Marcylla’s 11-year-old Muharib mare Crecora Angel (27).

Anna Roscoe was well pleased to finish second, on her seasonal debut, with Fortruane Dakota. She completed on her dressage score (28.3) as did Rachael Broome who, on board Boyher Cookies N Creme (30.3), was delighted to make her EI debut on Saturday despite the inclement weather.