Swan bounces back to win

TWO riders in the EI100 underage divisions collected their first affiliated wins. First up, Olivia Swan (Rockon Pedro) bounced back from her tumble at Tattersalls to confidently head the EI100P. Adding nothing further to her winning opening score, she remained ahead of Daniel Meagher (Buffalo Soldier) and Annaharvey victors Tom Rowlatt-McCormick (Mon Ami Tonnere). All six delivered double clear rounds.

Also picking up her first top placing was Alannah Kelly with Cooley Bounce. The son of Grange Bouncer had shared the EI100J dressage lead but recording the only double clear round, drew ahead of Zara Burke-Ott (Gooseberry Hill Cruise) and Caoimhe Conroy with Masonbrook Dessie.

The locally based superstore Equine Warehouse was the sponsor of the two very well filled EI100 classes, the first of which was headed by Fiona Hartley’s Gorsehill King ridden by Waterford producer Lee Maher. A recent purchase from his breeder Anne Bannon, the son of Kings Master is being competed by Maher while Hartley’s daughter Lauren is sitting her exams. Maher led from the front, and in dressage order Michael O’Toole filled second with First Obama, from Antonia Ward (EPA Murray).

Second win

Terrence White’s smart Swatch This landed his second win of the season in the second sector. The son of Watermill Swatch had held second spot on the flat, but reversed placings with leaders Alex Power (Rincoola Rolo) when the latter picked up a show jumping error. The remaining positions stayed in first phase order and it was Daniel Alderson who slotted into third with the foot-perfect RCA Royal Summer.

The cross-country proved very straightforward for the competitors in both classes, and while all bar seven completed without incident, Kate Solon took a very heavy fall at the first.

The versatile Sophie Richards made only her third seasonal appearance on the event track to win the Gleeson Quarries EI90 with event debutante Boleybawn Freedom.

The five-year-old by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet was bred by Ronan Rothwell and is a granddaughter of the international show jumper Ardenteggle Flight.

Leading from flagfall, Richards just headed Jason Dear with the ultra consistent Miss Saulsford (by Nazar) and Alex Donohoe aboard her first-timer Santiago Sky (Mermus R).

Finally, and at the end of a long day in the sunshine, Keelan Murray and Lough Fadda Rudi improved on their third placing at Annaharvey to head the EI90P.

Their dressage score of 30.0 proved unbeatable, and double clear, they remained in front of Ruby Hughes (Johnny Handsome) and Annika O’Connor with Scorcher Babe.