SUSAN Shanahan enjoyed another great spin with new ride Little Indian Feather to lead the nine runners in the EI100P. The The Lisgarvan winners opened on a good score of 31.8, and with all nine returning on their dressage marks, was never headed. “She had a spook in the dressage, so I was really pleased to get the mark,” said Shanahan, who only acquired the ride on her gold medal-winning star a few weeks ago. “Jamie Osborne (father of former rider Saffy) is a good friend of my father, and told him ‘this is the pony for you!,’” she explained. “I didn’t even go to try her, she just arrived! She’s amazing and gives me such a good feel.”

Shanahan still has two full years remaining in the pony ranks, and based at the family’s Ashtown Stud in Kilsheelan, is helped by Sue Smallman on the flat, while Michael Condon is her mentor over jumps. Chasing all the way, a busy Sophie Foyle filled second with the former show jumper Fernhill Tick The Box, from Shanahan again with her second ride Ruaile Buile Bailey.

The four runners in the EI100J were reduced to three when the runaway first phase leaders Charlotte Teehan and Timpany Night parted company out on track. It was an unfortunate start to a new partnership, but the former Clare Abbot ride looked very confident in the first two phases. Benefitting, Ava Banagher moved into pole position with Ballybough Bobati, from Robyn McKenna, who produced the only double clear round with Garvey’s Joy.

In the final EI90P, it was Paul Burke who headed the four runners with Stepping Spartacus. As the top three all stayed on their dressage scores, Zara Burke-Ott held second with Easter Water, from Rosie Farrell (Barnaree Pretty Polly).