Sally Parkyn

ZARA Nelson has enjoyed a great first season with former European squad member Millridge Buachaill Bui, so it was timely that she should gain her first win before close of play. The Co Kildare youngster produced a competitive dressage mark of 30.5, and despite collecting 7.6 time penalties in the country she headed Hannah Adams, who was also clear with Tobermoray Flash.

It was tough that Alex Power gained a technical elimination with Theo Jackson, as his dressage test (26.0) was one of the smartest of the day.

The show jumping proved an influence in the EI 100 P, which was won from the front by Arianne Finlay and Jimmy Thunderstruck. Finlay, whose mother Suzanne owns Joseph Murphy’s four-star ride DHI Top Story, did tip a pole, but held on to her early advantage to lead the Trim-based Emily McQuade (Twilight Oscar).

Co Wexford’s Alannah Murphy added her name to the list of first-timer winners when she landed the EI 100 aboard Ottoman Rebel. The traditionally-bred seven-year-old by Ros Rebel added four jumping penalties to his opening score of 33.0 but still completed ahead of Sophie Alexander and the former Hughie Ryan ride, Garrydruig Crusader.

Having impressed in the FEHL series, as well as in the RDS, Caroline Bjork’s Ard Cluedo fronted the field in the competitive EI 100. Well ridden by Melanie Young, the son of Luidam earned a score of 27.0 from dressage judge Pat Ryan, and remained on it throughout.

“A great way to finish the season,” commented Young. “He’s very capable, so the plan is to show jump him through the winter, and then hopefully upgrade next year.” Bought as a youngster from his breeders, Richard and Heather Wright, Ard Cluedo is out of the Clover Hill dam Cloverhill Girl.

“Caroline and the girls at Dollanstown broke him in and did all the early work with him, so it’s been nice to ride for someone who knows him inside out,” she added. “He’s bred to jump, so it will take time to teach him to lengthen between his fences, but he has a good stride and really impressed me here.”

As the remaining results fell largely in flatwork order, Mark Robinson and Lawrence Patterson’s Drumnaconnel Naughty were the runners-up for the second weekend in succession, from Liam Moran and Brown Stone.

Moving to more traditional lines, the sire Crosstown Dancer produced his second winner of the day when Tom and Orla Holden’s Cillnabradden Cuig landed the EI 90. Ridden as usual by Dayna Ann Curtis, the nine-year-old led the ten runners on his dressage mark (22.0) from event first timer Park Pollyanna and Wendy Harris (24.0).

Having filled second place at Kedrah last weekend, Ballycurraghan EC Cuba and Isabelle Comerford when one better to land the final EI 90 P of the season. The consistent pair have never been out of the top four this year and they headed Kilcreene Jasper and Mark Coyle.

In the amateur ranks, Donnacha Anhold was reunited with Cailnea to win the EI 100 A, while catching the eye in the EI 90 Amateur was Mortlestown Castle Master ridden by Charles Blackmore. The former Becky Tandy ride was enjoying his third win this season and looks more than capable of moving up a level next year.