WITH a total of 41 runners, the EI110 class at Hillcrest was divided into two strong sectors with the opener falling to Sara Lundkvist riding Paul Donovan’s mare Sportsfield More Fusion.

Once again, both the time and show jumping were the influential factors and, having led the dressage (26.5) and by posting one of only two double clear rounds, the Swedish native proved unbeatable. “I think she will be a very good mare and is a real Le Lion prospect,” said Donovan of the winning daughter of Tullabeg Fusion. “She qualified and competed in the RDS as a four-year-old, and then had a few unlucky eventing runs last year.”

Making her seasonal debut, having been placed second at Frankfort last autumn, the mare is short of her MERS qualifications as Donovan explains: “This season has been a bit of a nightmare, so we’re behind with our runs – and that’s a pity as it would have been good to go to Millstreet.” Johnny Widger bred this smart dun who is out of Grantstown Hopeful by Robin de Pres.

Chasing all the way, a slightly slower Patrick Whelan filled second riding Julie Radden’s six-year-old Lakeland Woody, from Dominic Furnell with his home-bred Ballycahane Pocahontas, who is the first foal out of Furnell’s five-star mare Ballycahane Flower Power.

Seasonal debut

Another to turn their seasonal debut into a winning one were the section two victors Michael McNally and Tullibards Mum Said. Owned by Margaret Bowe and bred by Hans Kuehnle, the daughter of Tyson opened in fifth spot and progressed through the ranks by recording one of just two clean sheets.

Only a six-year-old, the mare had not run since winning at Lisgarvan just over 12 months ago but, brushing any cobwebs aside, she completed just in front of Patrick Byrne aboard Richard Ames’ Belline Castle ONR Candy. Rounding off a good class for the Belline team, Robbie Kearns filled third with one of last season’s leading five-year-olds, Belline Castle Ziggy. Only two failed to complete.

As the professionals shared out the wins between themselves, it was Patrick Whelan and Altitu who took the spoils in the Open division. The four-star and Nations Cup campaigner was another making his seasonal debut and, despite tipping a coloured pole, he reversed placings with dressage leaders Robbie Kearns and the clean jumping but slower Thistle Bethelasttime.

Fellow Belline rider Charlie Boardman completed in third of the four starters with RCA Royal Summer.