BECAUSE of Covid-19 restrictions, Co Wicklow owner Joan O’Connor wasn’t present to see her Sarah Ennis-partnered Greenhall Granuaile win a section of the EI100 at Tyrella last Saturday on the amazing score of 6.5 penalties.

“I’m hoping someone will have a recording of the test,” said Joan who was due to meet Sarah on Tuesday at Wexford Equestrian when grooming for her at the third assessment day of this year’s Stepping Stones to Success training league.

“The thing is, not only did the mare get that fantastic dressage score,” continued O’Connor, “but she was double clear inside the time which is all thanks to Sarah working so hard on her show jumping. I’m absolutely thrilled with Grainne but she’s now seven and really has to show us what she’s made of this season. Some people have suggested that she should be a pure dressage horse but that’s not what I want!”

Pat recovering

Joan refers to Greenhall Granuaile as “the darling of my heart” but we know there is room in said heart for her husband Pat who is recovering in hospital following surgery on the femur he broke in a fall. “I’ve really missed him and didn’t realise how much he helped me with the three horses I have at home until he ended up in hospital. Thankfully, he will be home soon.”