HAVING dominated the results for the past two years, Britain’s Tom Jackson racked up his second Tattersalls CCI2* U25 title with the smart Court Casper. Leading from the outset on his completion score of 25.7, Jackson never looked in any danger of faulting and was thrilled with the nine-year-old who was originally produced by his mentor Pippa Funnell. A son of Billy Congo, the gelding was bred by his owners Mary Harris and Ruth McMullen and is the last progeny of 60 years of event horse breeding.

“I rode the dam Court Clarion, as well as the grand dam Court Corian,” said Funnell. “Sadly, this one grew too big for me, so I passed the ride to Tom three years ago.”

This is the last year in the age group for the winning rider, a fact that was not lost on the runner up and last year’s victor Sam Ecroyd. “Not a moment too soon,” he jested. “I have four more seasons at the level!”

Less than a mark adrift on 26.3 Ecroyd partnered the veteran Wodan 111 who was returning to competition after injury. The 15-year-old had not competed since Blenheim two years ago, and this comeback appearance was largely unplanned. “The horse I intended to bring was sold, so at the last minute I decided to bring this one instead,” explained the Cheshire-based rider. “He was my first horse, and it was very nearly a fairy tale!”

Jackson, who is supported and trained by Pippa Funnell also slotted into third spot with the Irish-bred Newmarket Prospect. The Billy Daly-bred eight-year-old improved on his opening fifth placing (30.7) to finish a hair’s breadth away from Ireland’s Stephanie Stammschroer with Master Swatch on 30.8.

Watched keenly from the pocket by Brian Daly, the well-related Newmarket Prospect is by the Scarteen resident stallion Newmarket Venture and, out of Newmarket Dato Two is a full-brother to Sophie Richards’ much admired three-star campaigner SRS Adventure. He was bought from Evan O’Connor as a three-year-old and will head for the young horse CIC3* at Blenheim in September.

“I thought it was a stronger track than last year. It was more technical and the time harder to get,” added Jackson, who now plans to give both horses a bit of a break.

In comparison to most of her opponents, fourth-placed Stephanie Stammschroer and Master Swatch are in their first year in the age group. They were members of the junior squad last year, and have this year’s young rider championships firmly in their sights. “When we first had him, we didn’t realise quite how good he was, but we always knew he was talented, said the rider of the Olga Scully-bred son of Watermill Swatch. “He’s as straight as a dye – you just have to keep him up to the job.” Leaving cert now beckons for Stammschroer, who hopes to embark on a career in horses, having first gained qualifications.

HARD FOUGHT

The show jumping phase was a close fought affair, and one who picked up a costly four-penalties was Cathal Daniels with LEB Lias Jewel. The pair were placed third overnight, and looking almost home and hosed, were just a fraction free to the very last. Flattening, the mare just tipped the final fence, slipping to fifth spot in the process.

It was however an outstanding class for the Irish, who filled five of the top 10 places. The consistent Elizabeth Hayden (DSL The Professor) produced another solid, clean jumping performance to fill seventh, reversing placings with Susie Berry and her exciting new partner Stonedge. The latter delivered a classy clear round, but was hampered by the addition of three, time penalties. Co Kilkenny’s Christine O’Donnell was also in the shake up and, so unlucky to tap the final element of the combination, completed on ninth with Blessington Prince Royal.

There were no real surprises in the country. Britain’s Holly Woodhead, who was in third place on the flat, was forced to withdraw following her crashing fall in the CCI1*, while Emily King relinquished her eighth placing when clocking up 20 penalties at the Horse Sport Ireland water.

Running in tandem to the individual competition, and adding extra interest, was a team contest fielding nine, mixed nation teams. The honours fell to the aptly named all Irish squad Gucci Golds, who retaining their overnight position, headed the McQueen Minstrels by a healthy margin of 20 points. Featuring in the winning team were Cathal Daniels, Elizabeth Hayden, Susie Berry and Luca Stubington while in second place Ireland’s Padraig Flanagan joined British riders Daniel Alderson, Alicia Wilkinson and Morgan Grey.