THE exploits of the homebred Rioghan Rua, who finished second in the leading horses’ category, helped propel Galway’s Margaret Kinsella to the top of Eventing Ireland’s list of owners for 2016 on 291 points.

The Jack Of Diamonds mare and rider Cathal Daniels dramatically parted company in the CIC*** at Tattersalls in early summer but bounced back to finish second in the O/CNC** at Ballinamona in mid-July before winning the CNC*** National Championships at Tatts the following month.

Daniels, runner-up in the leading riders’ standings, partnered Rioghan Rua into third place in the CCI*** at Millstreet before the pair saw out the year when finishing 12th in the CCI**** at Pau in October. Taking early season placings into account, the mare accumulated 202 points, leaving her second to the leading horse, Portersize Just A Jiff (245).

Rioghan Rua’s performances were backed up by those of Kinsella’s seven-year-old Imperial Hights gelding Sammy Davis Junior (80 points), winner of the CIC** for young riders at Camphire and second in the CIC*** at Ballindenisk in September, and to a much lesser degree, Rua’s six-year-old Cobra half-brother Cobra King (nine points).

The siblings are out of the second-highest placed dam, the deceased Highland Destiny (by Flagmount King).

Kinsella and her husband Frank have enjoyed following Rioghan Rua throughout Europe and hope to pay their first visit to Badminton next year.

They also plan taking embryos from the mare but chances are she will be bred to a show jumping stallion as there is more likelihood of a return on their investment.