AUTUMN

INTERNATIONALS

BURGHLEY may not have produced an Irish winning rider, but it turned out to be a triumph for the Irish-bred horse. Filling three of the top five placings, this role of honour was headed by the winner Ballaghmor Class, ridden by Britain’s Oliver Townend, and backed up by third-placed Arctic Soul (Gemma Tattersall) and Ringwood Sky Boy (Tim Price) in fifth.

Ireland’s Clare Abbott and Euro Prince enjoyed another competitive four-star run to complete in 13th spot, while having completed on Saturday night, Sarah Ennis and BLM Diamond Delux did not present on the final day.

Yet another good Irish breeding result emerged from Blenheim the following weekend, where Cooley Cross Border, ridden by the American rider Kim Severson, headed the pack in the feature CCI3*. Ireland’s riders also made their presence felt, and were led by Padraig McCarthy (Mr Chunky) who filling seventh spot, produced one of only three double clear rounds within the time. Just three places adrift, Ciaran Glynn will have been delighted with the mare November Night (10th).

Another squad of riders headed to Boekelo, and although they could not deliver a repeat of their Nations Cup victory two years ago, Sam Watson picked up a good 13th placing aboard Ardagh Highlight.

Europe’s four-star season finally drew to a close at Pau, where much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd, Gwendoline Fer (Romantic Love) delivered a home win for France. The six Irish riders met with mixed fortunes, but four-star rookie Tony Kennedy produced a sparkling performance to post a top-20 placing with Westeria Lane (19th).

Rounding off the championship season, the WBSFH finals for young horses took place at Le Lion d’Angers. The ISH Studbook headed the overall rankings, while the individual performances were capped by Esib Power, who landed fifth aboard Caroline Bjoerk’s precocious six-year-old DLS The Entertainer.