SETTLING in comfortably on its new date on the FEI calendar, last weekend’s international event at Millstreet was a resounding success. The Duggan family overcame the many Covid-related complexities to stage a brilliant fixture and in the wake of so many showcase cancellations, this was just the tonic the eventing world needed.

The mere fact that so many top international riders based in Great Britain opted to make the tricky, regulation-loaded journey spoke volumes, while a glut of Irish winners meant they did not have things quite their own way.

The praise for both the event as a whole and Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross-country courses were fulsome. The tracks were testing and beautifully presented, the time was tight, and while the underfoot conditions were on the soft side following an unseasonably wet May, horses ran well. Speaking to commentator Chris Ryan, Etherington-Smith remarked: “Full marks to the Duggan family for running – due to the weather they could easily have been excused for pulling the plug. The far side of the lake was too wet to use, but overall, I was pleased to see the horses travelling well over the ground and it makes the riders think a bit too.”

The Millstreet team enjoyed returning to the fray, having not held an event at the venue for some 18 months. “It was great to get back into the saddle and we were thrilled with how things turned out,” said Thomas Duggan. “As always we have to thank our volunteers, as well as the riders – who were all very co-operative in complying with the necessary restrictions.”

While these protocols were obviously essential, they led British rider Harry Meade to jest, “My only complaint this year, was that due to restrictions we weren’t able to socialise with our many Irish friends! That said, we love coming here – the courses are so varied, and educational, and everyone so friendly.”

One vital member of the Duggan team to bear the brunt of these restrictions was Emma Hickey, who was involved with all the preparatory administrative work. Emma was found to have a close Covid contact, and as a result was only able to attend the venue from Saturday. She did however work remotely and, aided by the ever-capable Dora Beacom (who stepped in to replace Tadhg Ryan) together with regular office team of Catriona Buckley and Elaine Collins, all ran to order. One of the most appreciated bonuses of the weekend was the live-streaming, supported by Horse Sport Ireland, which kept a host of armchair viewers in touch.