“WELL worth the long drive” was how Kildare-based Hannah Fielding described the first DI Inter Regional Final, after she and her home-bred DWS Firelight claimed both the elementary and medium category 3 championships. The elementary class was the biggest of the day, with 18 combinations appearing in front of judge Paula Geiger, and Fielding’s score of 72.22% gave her a margin of nearly a mark over reserve champions Rosemary Gaffney and Norabel.

The podium positions in the cat. 2 championship at this level were dominated by the hard-working hosts on the South Munster committee, with Lene Rose and Fernhill Nearly Darc edging ahead of Ana Maria Hughes and Ballycahane Billy on collectives, after both scored 69.44%. Hughes was also third here, on Sligo Dark Knight (68.89%).

In the medium cat. 2 championship, Sallyann Langan and Campaign Dancer scored 70.15% to take the title, ahead of Alexandra Frei and Quibelle Van De Vlindervallei (68.94%). In the cat. 3 equivalent, Fielding’s 71.97% left her winning comfortably, ahead of Christine Reidy and Glenhill Flash of Colour (64.7%).

Absolute sweetheart

Speaking afterwards, Fielding said of her ride: “She’s an absolute sweetheart, and she tries her heart out every time. She’s the last filly foal out of my former competition horse Daylight B, by Fidertanz, so she’s kind of a special one for me, having bred, foaled and trained her myself. I’ve taken my time with her, but that’s benefited her no end, and she’s definitely the most trainable horse I’ve ever owned.”

Alexandra Frei improved upon her medium result to take the win in the advanced medium cat. 2, after she was awarded 66.76% from List I judge Vida Tansey. One of several riders to avail of Ballindenisk’s onsite stabling the previous night, Frei’s verdict was: “We had a great weekend at the Inter Regional Finals. We had a productive summer of training in England with Alex Harrison, and continued the work over the winter with Anne Marie Dunphy, so it’s very rewarding to see the training pay off.”

Irish Horse World journalist Rachel Dowley topped the scoreboard overall at this level to achieve a one-two in the cat. 3 championship, winning on GFL Nava (67.5%) and finishing a close second with GFL Flashdance (67.35%). “I was delighted when South Munster decided to take on the running of this show,” said Dowley afterwards. “It gave me an early season goal, which motivated me to get out competing again after a winter of training. I was pleased with both my horses, particularly with Flashdance, who’s beginning to show his potential as he becomes more confident in the competition arena.”