TREDSTEP Ireland’s Aidan Keogh travelled to Pau last week without his usual grooming team of twin daughters Lilly and Sadie.

“The girls went to Glasgow on a hockey trip with their friends and, as they weren’t coming, Christine (Aidan’s wife) decided that she’d say at home,” said Aidan, who wasn’t, however, left unsupported in France. His long-term mentor William Micklem was on site and, in spite of saying that she probably wouldn’t go to the event, his mother Joan flew out later in the week.

“She was very proud and happy when I went clear across the country in the four-star with Master Tredstep,” he commented.

Aidan also competed in the CIC2* with Pride Of Tredstep on whom he also jumped clear over the fixed fences but should have done so without time penalties.

“Although we had very good weather earlier in the week, the temperature dropped on Saturday and it was not only dark but foggy as well when I was warming up the mare.

“Just before the first horse went out, we were told that a change had been made to the second water and that they had taken out the A and B elements. We had no time to walk the line and had to be directed towards C which was hard enough to get to and that’s where I lost time! Still, I was delighted with the mare and look forward to kicking on with her next season.”