MAKING history and completing a very good week, the Fethard pairing of Sharon Power and SRS Mini Vendi landed their first international win in the inaugural running of the CI Intro.

The duo had picked up their RDS small event horse ticket at Rincoola a few days earlier and completing on their dressage score (30.0) headed compatriot Lucy Latta riding RCA Patron Saint (31.4) from the front.

This was by far the biggest career win for Power, who commented afterwards: “This class was ideal for us. It’s a big step up from EI100 to CNC* and the course had plenty of questions.”

Power had sourced the daughter of Ars Vivendi (dam by Olympic Lux) from Steven Smith and Sophie Richards as a four-year-old and, bred by stallion owner Michael Quirke, is a sibling to the British-based event horse Mad About U (CCI3*) as well as the Captain Geoff Curran-ridden international show jumper Carnlea (1.40m).

“She suits me and I love her,” added Power, who, as a true amateur, works with her father in the family’s plant hire business.

NEW CONCEPT

A class very much favoured by Dulohery, it was the very first of its level to be held under FEI rules. The concept is to provide riders and horses with an intermediary step between the 90cms and the one-star level.

This proved ideal for second-placed Lucy Latta, who riding the smart RCA Patron Saint was not qualified to run in the CIC* class. Having recently graduated from university with a degree in sports management under her belt, the Co Wexford-based Latta had successfully upgraded Alison Crampton’s gelding two weeks earlier.

A purchase from the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale, where he was consigned by his breeder Richard Ames, RCA Patron Saint is by Grafenstolz and was formerly campaigned by Felicity Ward.

The addition of five time penalties in the country proved costly for third placed Kevin McNab, but he was positive both about the performance of his young mare Grantstown Joules and the concept of the class itself.

“Joules has only had three pre-novice runs in England, but I felt this class would be perfect for her and she has really gained from it. I also thought that it was a good introduction for horses to get a taste of an international atmosphere and perhaps for my students who could make use of it for a first trip away.”

Only a six-year-old, the talented Grantstown Joules is by Bonmahon Master Blue and was sourced from Waterford producers Johnny Widger and Ciara Power two years ago.

The beautifully built cross-country track was a fair challenge, however there were refusals for four of the 10 runners, and only seven completed.

The single corner (8) accounted for the bulk of these, as well as the double of corners (10ab) two fences later.