CO Wexford’s Ciara O’Connor continued her impressive run of form when posting her second consecutive victory in Thursday’s Young Rider event horse class.

Standing out in a competitive field of 16 runners, O’Connor delivered a commanding performance with the six-year-old Ashwood Rio, which clearly impressed the distinguished judging panel of international event riders Jesse Campbell and Susie Berry, together with Scottish show judge Marie-Claire Nimmo.

Having gained a clear lead in Wednesday’s evening session, the winning pair completed on a runaway score of 92.8, which prompted Berry to comment afterwards: “They were exceptional and, in fact, it was hard to take marks off anywhere.”

As a former RDS lead rein winner back in 2014, a subsequent 2023 European pony team member and a recently named member of the 2025 European junior squad, the well-decorated O’Connor was visibly delighted. “There is nothing better than winning in Dublin - it’s very special,” she said.

Despite his young age, the home-produced Ashwood Rio is also no stranger to high profile wins. Having headed the prestigious Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier at Millstreet last year, he has since enjoyed a great start to his eventing career and, as a winner of the CCI*Intro at Ballindenisk last autumn, and subsequently at 1.10m level, he has only lowered one pole since his debut outing just over a year ago.

Major credit is also due to O’Connor’s aunt, Sharon O’Connor, for whom as the owner/breeder this was also a case of deja vu. Sharing the double celebrations at the ringside, Sharon disclosed that Ashwood Rio is a younger sibling to her 2024 victor and European championship nominated Ashwood Iron Lady (by Iron Man Van de Paderborre), both being progeny of the mare Pikeur by Ramiro B.

Strong challenge

Having led Wednesday’s evening session, O’Connor entered the main arena on Thursday morning with a comfortable advantage over Carla Williamson (Powers) and Caitie Slater with the five-year-old Belline LEB Noble Warrior.

It was far from being a foregone conclusion however, as Dereck Hamilton’s strong track was never going to be straightforward.

Featuring a combination of coloured and rustic fences, the track produced just three clear rounds, resulting in an ever-changing order.

Tricky

In an overnight second place, Carla Williamson was unlucky to tip the first element of the tricky dry ditch double with the smart seven-year-old Powers, consequently reversing placings with 2023 winner Caitie Slater who, riding for Richard Ames, produced an accurate clear aboard the well-related Belline LEB Noble Warrior. As a sibling to numerous international horses, including the Cathal Daniels and Jonelle Price-ridden LEB Liath Jewell (CCI4*), Belline LEB Noble Warrior was bred by Jo Breheny out of her good broodmare LEB Liath (Colin Diamond).

An astute spotter of talent, Ames sourced him as a three-year-old, since when he has been slowly and carefully produced by Belline rider Slater.

Delivering a foot-perfect and fluent round, Kate Horgan pulled up from seventh to fill fourth with Highview Shakespeare (by Lagans OBOS Quality), from Anna Murphy (Drumrankin Hiboy).