THE introduction of the EI105 class has proved a popular one with riders, especially at this early stage in the season. Ian Walsh was just one to enjoy a preparatory spin at the level, and was rewarded when winning aboard Clare Ryan’s smart Kilcannon Top Guy (Loughehoe Guy).

Capping a good day for traditional breeding, the Pat Carty-bred seven-year-old is already a winner in CNC* company, and leading from the front (30.3), he headed Gilly Crawford, who was also double clear with Calliaghstown Silver Dollar and Sadhbh Bolger (Caruba LVS Z).

Just five went to post in the EI100P, and in the tightest finish of the day, Ruth Burke celebrated her first EI victory with My Late Find. Staying in dressage order and sharing the same completion score, Niall Burke (Stepping Spartacus) were also double clear, as was third-placed Sophie Foyle (I’m Spot On).

The EI 100J attracted just three runners, and delivering a foot-perfect performance Megan Telford-Kelly headed the trio with the six-year-old Aughabeg Dun Boy (29.8). Scoring the same on the flat, but slower in the country, Alex Power was second with Millridge Cara.

EXPERIENCE

Michelle Kenny of Co Wexford-based RLE eventing has spent the winter competing in Spain and Portugal, claimed the competitive EI100 with event debutante RLE Egane.

The eight-year-old daughter of Whittaker was in second spot on the flat, but when first phase leader Sian Hawkes tipped a pole with Poynstown Star, she was promoted ahead of the Camilla Speirs duo of BT Jump The Gun (by Copperfield 7) and Lexington.

Co Cork native Felicity Ward has returned home this season, and having built up a smart string of horses, she will have been pleased to land the EI 90 with event first-timer Castle Arkan (by Arkan). Olga Scully’s former show horse (formerly known as FieldMaster Arkan) looked very much at home in his new sport, and leading from the front, completed on his opening score of 26.5.

“He showed under saddle and competed at the RDS,” Ward explained. “I had him since the end of last year, and he certainly seems to love the job. He has an impressive step and jump and has to be an exciting prospect.”

Another local rider, Sian Hawkes, filled second with Darren O’Connor’s debutante Lord of The Morning and, staying with the first-timers, Dominic Furnell took third with the four-year-old Ballycahane Billy.

Finally, the day came to a close when Cameron O’Neill emerged the best of the four runners in the EI90P.

Riding Inchmore Ranger, he opened in pole position on 35.0, and held his advantage to stay ahead of Julie Hatton aboard the Connemara pony Douglas (38.0), and Hazel Harte (Glencairn Sixpence) on 44.0. All four completed.