ALTHOUGH Ireland’s only long format win came at the close of play on Sunday afternoon, there was huge applause for Patrick Whelan who, in the final moments, landed the EPS Group CCI1* aboard Killossery Karisma.

Whelan had climbed steadily up the leaderboard from an opening fourth place (29.7) and jumped a confident clear round to put pressure on the overnight leaders Sophie Brown and SBE Gtafensbrook.

James Tarrant’s clever show jumping track had indeed been causing problems, but with a fence in hands few would have predicted that the leading pair would have kicked out six.

It was tough on Brown, who plummeted to almost last of the completions, but fortuitous for 22-two-year-old Whelan for whom this was the first international win of his career. “I wasn’t nervous going into to jump. At the end of the day it’s only another round,” he said.

This cool head has earned Whelan plenty of admirers, and since setting up his own yard in Murrinstown and also at the Cleariestown home of his mentor Louise Codd, the Wexford man has never looked back. He now rides several horses from the powerful English-based Brookfield Stable, although his winning mount Killossery Karisma is owned by Alison Swinburn.

A former ride of Kevin McNab, the son of Loughehoe Guy joined Whelan at the start of this year. “He’s a 10-year-old and has the mileage, and that helped him.” the rider explained. “He’s also really helped my riding – that’s why I have him – to improve me. He was lovely to ride across the country.” Although the gelding does have form at the higher level, Whelan may leave an upgrade until next year.

Sophie Brown did gain some compensation when she piloted her second ride Sarchie into the runner-up spot. Another to complete on her dressage score (30.7) Brown was delighted with this eight-year-old who she has owned since a foal. Sarchie show jumped clear, as did Vendi Fox who, much to the surprise of his owner Jemima Stewart, pulled up from ninth to fill third.

The latter, ridden by Georgie Spence, was injured in a stable accident last year, and only returned to competition in June.

Having endured very mixed fortunes over the weekend, it was good to see Maria Byrne boost the spirits of the Byrne family to fill fifth with BGS Willpower. Another home-bred by Power Blade, the mare completed on her dressage score (32.7), while two places adrift Lexie Kilfeather settled for seventh after lowering a costly pole with Lord of the Morning. Irish pairings clustered well in this class, as the evergreen Jane O’Flynn completed in the top 10 aboard the clean jumping Cruise Lightly (34.8).

Action in the country kicked off bright and early at 8am on Saturday morning, and while most were untroubled by the track there were several major upsets. The first came at the start of play when overnight leader Laura Cocking decided that Quanti du Vi did not feel quite right and opted to withdraw. Their departure left Ireland’s Lucca Stubington and Quingenti in second spot and while the pair set out well, they were forced to walk home when Quingenti took a strong dislike to the bank complex (7b).