Sally Parkyn
RECORD entries, together with a day of unbroken sunshine added to the success of the new season opener at Kilguilkey House last weekend.
As over 250 runners relished the near perfect conditions, organiser Danny Dulohery was led to comment: “Everything just clicked today, but of course what makes an event work well are the presence of good riders, good owners and equally importantly good volunteers. Without them all we would have no event – and I thank them all for their support.”
In the closed season, Dulohery has been busy making further improvements to the venue. A totally new surface on the existing all-weather show jumping arena was given the thumbs-up, and, depending on further rider feedback, may well be used for the international fixture in July.
Other progressive works for the July showcase are ongoing and Dulohery revealed that this year’s event will have a new title sponsor (see News). In addition, British course designer, Mike Etherington Smith will be at the helm for 2015, and will unveil a totally new route for both the international and national classes.
O/CNC**
One partnership with July’s feature CIC** already in their sights is Becca Dunlea and Cashelane Captain.
Gaining their second seasonal O/CNC** win from as many runs, the duo produced a competitive flatwork mark (29.8) before turning the tables on early leaders Michael Ryan and Kilpipe Jewel.
“He’s really ready for a three-star,” commented Dunlea afterwards. “However I just felt that this weekend’s international at Ballindenisk came up a little too soon. For the immediate future we have decided to concentrate on the Red Mills Superleague, and then return here in July.”
While Dunlea and her 12-year-old son of Captain Clover completed on their dressage mark, leader Michael Ryan added six expensive time penalties to his otherwise foot perfect rounds with Kilpipe Jewel. Benefitting, Michelle Kenny (Euralia A) moved up the order to fill second, from Jennifer Hyland with Portphilip CD.
Completing what by any standards was a good weekend, the indefatigable Joseph Murphy added to his Tyrella double when landing the CNC** with new season ride Fernhill Frankie.
Looking fully refreshed after travelling down to Cork the previous night, Murphy initially shared second place with Michael Ryan (Apogee), before producing the sole double clear round of the class.
“That was unexpected!” reflected Murphy. “Although having said that, he has been so consistent since I have had him.”
Owned by Suzanne Finlay, Fernhill Frankie (by Frankfort Boy) was selected by Finlay’s daughter Arianne as a potential junior horse.
“Arianne chose him, and the idea has always been for me to produce him first,” explained Murphy. “I’ll keep riding him at the moment, with the aim of running him in a CCI** at the end of the year.”
It had looked as though Murphy was in line for a one/two, but he retired his dressage leader Killossery Athletic Touch in the country.
“I felt that he just wasn’t right,” said Murphy. “He was running a bit free to the ditch early in the course, so I decided to call it a day.”
Ryan had to settle for second again, when Apogee rolled a rail, while David Sheedy did the same with third-placed OCS Electric Boy.
Although the cross-country asked several questions, it proved straightforward and rode without incident for the majority. An imposing hanging log at the devils dyke caused problems for Ian Walsh’s Elm Hill, but most of the 18 runners tackled the far easier and not much more time consuming alternative.
O/CNC*
Frequently the bridesmaid and narrowly defeated at Millstreet only seven days earlier, Charlie Van Overis Z finally got his head in front to land a decisive victory in the O/CNC*. The 10-year-old by Couleur Rubin (Old) led from flag fall (30.8), comfortably completing ahead of Rebecca Hayes (The Artful Bobster) as well as Clare Lambert with Double Dashing.
“Sometimes he gets almost too laid back,” explained winning rider Alan Briscoe. “However, when he gets competitive he’s really very good indeed.”
A three-year-old graduate of Cavan sales, Charlie was originally sourced on behalf of Briscoe’s American owners Gus and Charlotte Caskey, before Briscoe took ownership sometime later.
“He’s also a good show jumper,” he added. “And I think will progress to make a very competitive junior horse.”
All six runners completed without incident.
CNC**
The cross-country proved similarly uninfluential in the first of two well-filled CNC* sectors. The much-admired SRS Adventure ridden by Sophie Richards (see One To Watch) held top spot throughout, coming home ahead of Joseph Murphy (Bellcross Starlight) and Sharon Power aboard Stonehavens Master Class.
Murphy was particularly delighted with the performance of his French Buffet eight-year-old (dam by Cruising), who he purchased from Carol Gee last year.
“He reminded me of Sparky (Electric Cruise) who also originated from Francis Derwin’s yard,” He commented.
Honours in the second division fell to Kim O’Gorman with her own Tooth Fairy. Another to land a pillar-to-post victory, O’Gorman completed on her first phase mark of 28.5, narrowly ahead of Luke Drea (Avoca Druid) and Michelle Nelson with OLS Inis Flaith.
“It was well worth the trip and the early start!” said Co Wexford based O’Gorman. “Both my horses loved the track, which was really galloping and so inviting.”
Sourced as a three-year-old from his breeder, the late Charlie Patterson, Tooth Fairy is believed to be by one of Patterson’s resident stallions, Garrison Z, out of a Robertstown Boy mare.