AN exciting new fixture in the competition calendar launched last Sunday, on the grounds of Castle Freke in Rosscarbery, West Cork.

Organised by south Munster dressage, the first annual Castle Freke Dressage Festival featured a new perpetual leading rider cup and €1,000 in prize money sponsored by Stephen Evans-Freke in memory of his late mother Lady Carberry, who was herself a dressage enthusiast.

The show was oversubscribed, attracting nearly 30 entries from all over Ireland to compete in the stunning seaside setting of Castle Freke’s 19th century stable-yard in the shadow of two historic castles.

Competitors ranged in age and experience from Laura Dennehy and Robyn O’Neill, two junior riders who have represented Dressage Ireland abroad, to professional dressage trainer Susanne Hirsch, who hails from Germany, to eventer Brian Morrison of Clonakilty, with many accomplished amateurs also taking part.

The Joyzelle Lady Carberry Cup and a prize of €500 was presented to Caroline Marwood on NEH Avalon Clover as the leading rider with a score of 85%. “I’m absolutely delighted. The horse is only five-years-old but I have high hopes for him,” said Marwood of NEH Avalon Clover who was originally sourced from Philip Horgan.

Emer Creedon finished as runner-up in the leading rider standings on Shadow Indigo, with Eimear White third on Whatever Next.

Laura Hagger placed fourth on Little Miss Sunshine, with Brian Morrison fifth on JR, just ahead of Susanne Hirsch in sixth on Ballustree Bualadh Bos.

The leading junior rider was Niamh O’Carroll on Castlelawn, winning €150. Second place went to Nicole Lynch on Chasmarella, with Michelle O’Driscoll third on Kingston David. Robyn O’Neill took fourth spot on Belsasser, with Sharon Coombes (Half a Chancer) fifth and Laura Dennehy (Templebready Anna) in sixth.

The competition was judged by Gisela Holstein and Vida Tansy, with sponsorship also provided by Bucas Rugs, O’Donovan Hotel and Richy’s Bar and Bistro.