THERE was a widespread sense of relief at Hillcrest last weekend, as the eventing calendar in the south finally moved into gear. Ballindenisk aside, this was the first fixture on the national circuit since the deadlock within Eventing Ireland and, while it came too late for some to gain their Millstreet qualifications, it was good to be back in action once more.

The entries, although perhaps a little disappointing in the EI115 classes, were rewarding and sizeable enough to merit two full sectors at both EI110 and EI100 level.

The professionals claimed all bar one of the senior classes, with amateur Kim O’Gorman breaking through to land a popular victory in a competitive EI115.

Adding to the day’s feel-good factor and probably crowning it, all were delighted to see the inimitable Chris Ryan back eventing and in his familiar place behind the microphone.

“It was nice to remember how to win!” joked a delighted Kim O’Gorman following her well-deserved victory in the feature EI115.

Clean sheet

Posting the only completely clean sheet from the field of eight runners, O’Gorman turned the tables on dressage leaders Daniel Alderson riding Orla Byrne’s Hurricane Fly B, as well as close contender Keelin McCarthy with Romans Mr Kane. It had been six years since O’Gorman last took the red ribbon, as in the interim her eventing activities were initially stalled by Covid, her career as a psychotherapist, and then by the arrival of her two daughters, Tiger Rose and Dolly.

As a result, her progress with her winning ride Californian Wolf has been somewhat disrupted and, although she has owned him since he was a four-year-old, he’s now 13 with a much younger mileage. Sourced from his breeder Rita Byrne, the palomino is by the Connemara pony Crosskeys Rebel out of the thoroughbred mare Tissaia by Luke Antique. “We didn’t event at all last year, but we have manged to get going this season,” said O’Gorman. “Sophie Richards helps me and has been amazing.” While Millstreet is not on the agenda for the Gorey-based rider, she does hope to go to the Lisgarvan international later in the summer. “It’s nice and close, so I can get back to put the babies to bed!” she said.

While the cross-country proved straightforward, the show jumping upset the order slightly. With only three clear rounds, errors were expensive as were the time penalties across the country. Once the maths was done, O’Gorman was promoted from an opening third spot, ahead of Alderson and Alyssa O’Neill with her own DS Candescent.

Just two runners started in the open sector, and this time it was Robbie Kearns and Belline Newmarket Delight who retained their pillar to post lead over Alice Copithorne aboard Barnaboy Peaches N Cream.