IT was the sixth international win of Joseph Murphy’s career when he took the Semalease CCI3*-S aboard Amanda Torrens and Austin O’Callaghan’s gelding Barberstown Castle Rehy (ISH by Ars Vivendi). Leading from the start they kept a clean sheet throughout to win.

“I’ve been really happy with him all spring, he’s been consistent and has been there or thereabouts the last few runs so it was nice to tick the box and show how good a horse he is,” said a delighted Murphy. “I’m especially pleased for his owners and the team around me, as they all work so hard.

"We will see how he comes out of this, but he’ll be aimed at Millstreet International and then hopefully work towards some of the Nations Cup events in the Autumn.”

Murphy also finished on his dressage scores on his two other mounts, Dstud Flirtation (ISH by Bernhard) and Funny Guy (ISH by Loughehoe Guy), who finished ninth and 13th respectively in the same class. Commenting on the event, Murphy said: “All my horses ran well and it’s so helpful to have such great footing in both arenas, it really gives the horses the best chance to perform.”

John Tilley and Wellfields Casino put in a double clear to maintain their dressage score and finish in second place just 0.5 penalty behind the winner. This combination has been in the top two in four out of their last five runs, including a second place at Lisgarvan International last year.

Sarah Ennis and the ISH Dolmen Stellor Design (Quantino) made the step up to this level look well within their reach by finishing on their dressage score to take third. The eight-year-old bred by Jack Murphy began his eventing career in April last year and has already racked up five podium finishes, two of which were at International level.