THE Sarah Ennis-ridden, PJ Hegarty-owned and bred Fenyas Email goes into winter quarters having added victory in last weekend’s Michael Leonard EI105 class for five and six-year-olds at Ballindenisk to her win two weeks earlier in the inaugural George Mernagh EI110 for six-year-olds at Tattersalls Ireland.

The six-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare by Jaguar Mail out of the top-class Fenyas Elegance (by Ricardo Z) completed on her winning dressage score (25.4), earning high praise from Ennis. “She is an incredible mare and I think she’s a special one. She’s very well bred and very talented and I’m delighted for PJ, as she was a mid-August foal and he has given her plenty of time; he’s a very good owner.

“There was never any question of the mare being aimed at Le Lion this season, but that is definitely the target for next year and we’ll work backwards from there when we start planning her 2027 campaign. I’d like to take this opportunity of thanking my team, as you’re nothing without the people behind you.”

This class was run as a CCI1*-Intro last year when it attracted 28 entries and 25 starters. There were 25 starters again last weekend, three of whom failed to complete. Seven of the top eight finished on the combined flat work marks they were awarded by Ireland’s Joanne Jarden (C) and Britain’s Les Smith (E).

Teamwork

Ella Doddy, who is studying bioengineering and biomedical science at UCD, also completed on her winning dressage score (32.7 penalties) to land the 16-runner EI105 on her father John’s ISH mare Sportsfield More Fusion (Tullabeg Fusion - Grantstown Hopefull, by Robin des Pres).

The eight-year-old was previously campaigned by Sara Lundkvist for Paul Donovan, from whom the Doddys purchased the dun in January. She is competed out of Brennanstown Equestrian, where 19-year-old Ella has ridden for many years. She spoke briefly about her plans for the mare, but was more concerned about thanking those around her.

“I would like to give a big mention to my dad for his continued support in helping me achieve my dreams in the sport. I would love to compete at the top level and make a career out of horses and, although I recognise it is a hard thing to do, I am extremely grateful to him for giving me the chance.

“Also a mention to the whole team at Brennanstown Equestrian, whose hard work make good results possible. And a big thank you to Molly (Sportsfield More Fusion), who has given me a great season and a lot of excitement for our future. And, of course, many thanks to Louise Bloomer my coach for her endless support and guidance.”

Although they are not as fond of eventing as John, Ella’s mother Lorraine and her brother and sister travelled down to Ballindenisk to support her at the weekend. Another of the country’s young riders, David Kiely finished second and third on EPA Orlaith (35.1) and SCS Ballycoskerry Cardento (35.2).