STAGED as the first of two international fixtures at the venue, last weekend’s Sema Lease Kilguilkey home international in Co Cork was the scene of a glut of personal bests. Among them was Alex Houston who landed the biggest win of her career in the feature Horse Sport Ireland CCI3*-L, while American rider Gillian Beale-King, aptly riding for title sponsor Richard Ames, celebrated her Independence Day in style by racking up a classy one-two-three in the Eventing Ireland CCI2*-L.

On fire with her string of young horses, Clare Abbott scored a smart double in two of the short format sectors, leaving fellow northern region rider Adam Haugh to pick up his first of his international honours in the third.

Always a popular and valuable stepping stone venue, Kilguilkey once again delivered its well tested brand of informality and relaxed atmosphere. Despite the current restrictions, it was good to see the permitted increase in spectators and owners on site, many of whom has been missing for over a year.

Unfortunately, there were a few high-profile withdrawals due to the firm ground, but it had been a Catch-22 situation for organiser Danny Dulohery who had been slightly wrong-footed by the weather. The heavy rain forecast did not arrive as predicted, and while the tracks were well spiked, some riders opted to wait for another day.

“We had 300 gallons of water available, and in hindsight we should have spread it,” admitted Dulohery.

“That said, at the riders’ meeting the talk was all about how much rain was due, and no-one mentioned watering – it was unfortunate that we got the rain on Saturday night rather than Friday night when it was due.”

Dulohery also said a big ‘thank you’ to all his sponsors, stewards, riders, owners and the many volunteers who helped over the weekend.