THE new cross-country track rode well in both EI 115 sectors at Blackstairs on Saturday, and although some fences were shared with the EI110 classes, the tricky Stones complex at 10ab saw several well-placed riders pick up a costly 20 penalties.

A testing show-jumping track meant that clear rounds over the coloured poles were also in the minority in the three divisions of EI110, but with an easier time allowed in the country, a number of partnerships completed on their opening scores.

Among them was Alannah Kelly who, enjoying a great debut ride with her new purchase Stroke of Genius, headed the open sector on her dressage score of 29.5.

A former young rider team horse under Luke Coen, Stroke of Genius (by Jacks Delight) appears to have gelled well with his new rider, to finish over two marks in front of the more experienced pairing of Melanie Young with Sorbet, leaving Blathnaid Boyd aboard What Else in a creditable third.

Another interesting new partnership to catch the eye was that of Chloe Fagan and the veteran five-star horse Fernhill Pimms, formerly ridden by William Fox-Pitt. The Catherine Witt-owned gelding shared second spot after dressage and jumping, but opting to take things quietly in the country dropped well down the final order.

One of several riders to make the journey from the north worthwhile was the EI110 (a) winner Steven Smith, riding the traditionally bred Hi Mr Henry, by Cruising Harry.

One of the most consistent performers of the past two seasons, and indeed racking up his fifth win under rules, the John O’Sullivan-bred eight-year-old completed on his leading dressage mark of just 23.0.

Posting a strong challenge, Ian Cassells slotted into second and third with the mares Gorsehill Amy and Killaloan Tess and appears to have set out this year in the same form as he completed the last.

As a result, he progressed to go one better in the second sector which he won with Gerry Leahy’s smart Millridge Atlantis. A tad lucky in victory, but fully deserving it with a double clear round, the grey seven-year-old enjoyed numerous top six placings last season. Well-related, he is by Dinan Cascaletto and, bred by Sean O’Loughlin, is a full-brother to Richard Ames’ two-star horse Belline Warrenstown Cruz.

Despite tipping an expensive rail, dressage leader Clare Abbott enjoyed a good spin to finish second with her 2020 Michael Leonard young horse champion Mr Mighty, while Alyssa O’Neill with Waverley, who also faulted over the show jumps, filled third.