THE event horse Sportsfield Othello has become only the second horse in Irish equine history to reach the milestone 1,000 Eventing Ireland points.

Joining Horseware Bushman, and passing the magic figure when winning in Grove two weekend two weeks ago, the son of Ricardo Z has gained every one of those points under long term partner Joseph Murphy.

A son of Ricardo Z, Sportsfield Othello, or ‘Frankie’ as he is known, was bred by John Kenny in Co Tipperary, out of the thoroughbred-sired mare Moy View Lady (by Ring Of Ford).

Paul Donovan was responsible for his early sale to Siobhan and Catherine Harrington, while Ian Walsh first produced him under saddle. Murphy was asked to take over the ride as a five-year-old, and the following year bought him, together with his wife Jill.

“He’s not the ideal event model,” acknowledged the rider. “But what he lacks in talent he makes up for in heart. He’s not the biggest galloper either, but he’s very nippy.”

In the past three years, the Murphys have been joined as owners by keen supporters Alison Schmutz and Andrew Tinkler. Under their joint names, Frankie has enjoyed a number of good results at three-star level, but it is the love of the big time that sets him apart.

He has completed eight CCI**** events, among which are three completions at Badminton, and a fifth placing in Pau two years ago.

“He loves the atmosphere at the big ones, which turns him into a four-star performer,” added Murphy. “What he lacks in scope, he makes up for in toughness and a willingness to do the job.”

A real character, a pet in the yard, and at 15 years of age still capable of spooking at the most critical of moments, Frankie was Eventing Ireland’s leading horse in 2014 and runner-up last year.

Very versatile, he also took part in several Hickstead cross-country derbys, finishing as runner up in 2013.

“He’s getting better with age,” summed up his rider. “His big day is coming.”

This weekend, Murphy and ‘Frankie’ are competing in the four-star at Pau, France, where they are joined by compatriots Sarah Ennis (Horseware Stellor Rebound), Katie O’Sullivan (Cooley Blue Flame), and Camilla Speirs (Portersize Just a Jif).

Also challenging, and competing at the level for the first time, are the exciting rookies Cathal Daniels (Rioghan Rua), Dominic Furnell (Ballycahane Flower Power) and Ciaran Glynn (November Night).