WE are almost certain little two-month-old Eleanor Cook is the youngest human to ever sit at the top table in a press conference at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show. She is, of course, the daughter of Karl Cook and his wife Mackenzie Drazan Cook and was spotted by many around the RDS last week, when tucked onto her father in a carrier, including walking the course for the Grand Prix.

Following USA’s win in the Aga Khan Nations Cup and Karl’s exceptional double clear round with Caracole de la Roque, the proud dad introduced his daughter to her first press conference. “This is Eleanor, she is two months old. I go nowhere without her, unless I’m on the horse and eventually she will come there too.”

Karl was full of praise for course designer Alan Wade and the show in general, as well as his beautiful mare. “Alan’s job is to set a course that is challenging, that tests us from the first fence to the last fence, that makes us think; and creates a fun and exciting show for everyone watching. And he happens to do that every single time; it’s always a joy to ride his courses. Caracole loved this crowd and this arena. I love going first for the team!”

Two of his teammates on Friday had Irish connections. Natalie Dean’s boyfriend is Irish show jumper Gavin Harley from Rathdonnell in Donegal. Dean was riding Mr Boombastic and said: “My boyfriend, Gavin Harley, found him for me. Denis jumped him in a few five-stars last year and then we were able to get him last August. I’ve had him for about a year now and he’s really stepped up to really be my top horse in my string.”

Paris Sellon made her debut in Dublin and jumped one of seven double clears with Chad Blue PS and she also has an Irish boyfriend outside of the sport of show jumping, while her trainer is none other than Irish team manager Jessica Kurten. “It was a bitter sweet day for her today,” said Paris of the USA beating Ireland into second place.