IT was a commanding performance from Cathal Daniels aboard Independent Article (ISH) at Frankfort Stud’s third one-day event of the season, as the accomplished pair clinched a decisive victory in the EI110 Open on their leading dressage score of 28.3.
This seven-year-old by Tyson out of Sassy Cassie (a half-sister to 5* eventer Rioghan Rua) was bred and is owned by Margaret Kinsella. Daniels has produced the gelding since 2023 and, while this is their first win of the 2025 season, they were third in the CCI2*-S at Millstreet International in May and last year won at that level at Kilguilkey House International 2.
“He is a big, strong horse, a big mover and we are excited to have two good young ones out this year with him and Cornasaus Junior Hights, who is a full-brohter of Sammy Davis Junior,” said Kinsella.
“Arty’s an easy going horse and has a good bit of gas especially on cross country, he just takes it all in his stride.
“He went to Le Lion last year and made a good account for himself but was marked a bit harshly in the dressage I feel, so he will go there again hopefully as a seven-year-old and we will aim him at Lisgarvan International too.”
In second place was Sian Coleman riding Kilroe Frolic (ISH), who impressed with a dressage score of 28.8. While Coleman rolled a pole and had time penalties in both jumping phases, her total of 17.2 penalties accrued post-dressage failed to move her from second on a final score of 46.0.
This nine-year-old gelding by Cavalier Land out of Malibiues Dancer was bred by Sean Barron and is owned by Maurice Coleman.
Ava Dowley and IDA 83 rounded out the podium. Their test scored 34.5 and, despite 1.6 show jumping time penalties and 12.4 cross-country time penalties, they remained in third throughout on 48.5. This nine-year-old gelding by Crumble (B Hol) and owned by Margaret Bowe has form this year having won the CCI2*-S at Kilguilkey House International 1.
Padraig Harrington and Avalon Romulus (ISH by Cointreau Van De Withoeve (BWP)) put in a solid effort for fourth, climbing from fifth after dressage thanks to clear jumping phases and just 9.2 penalty points to add to his dressage mark of 39.8, ending the day on 49.0. Rounding out the field was Patrick Whelan on MBF Corbeagh (ISH by Quidam Junior I (KWPN)), who incurred 20 penalties from a refusal at fence 8a on the cross-country, pushing him to a final score of 63.1.
EI110
Caitie Slater and Belline Special Lady (ISH) delivered a polished performance to take top honours in the 20-runner EI110, finishing on their dressage score of 30.5. This was the first win in what is his first season under EI rules for this six-year-old by Pointilliste (TB) out of Queen Victoria OBS (ISH) who was bred by Roberta Dowley and is owned by Richard Ames.
Just fractions behind in second place was Rodney O’Donnell aboard Hillcrest Harbour (ISH by Sligo Candy Boy). The pair impressed in dressage with a score of 29.5, but a combined 1.6 time penalties saw them narrowly edged out, finishing on 31.1.
Patrick Byrne and KBS King Puck (ISH by O.B.O.S Quality 004) claimed third place with a final score of 31.7. Despite a solid dressage result of 29.3, two time penalties on cross-country moved them just off the top spot in what was a tight leaderboard from start to finish.
Sian Coleman piloted Fabia HSH (ISH by Elvis Ter Putte) to fourth starting with the leading dressage score of 28.3, however a costly four show jumping penalties pushed her down the order.
Fifth place went to Georgina Pettit on BCL Belletastic (ISH by Killinick Bouncer (ID)) and closing out the top six was Patrick Whelan with Lakelands Woody (ISH by Van Overis Z (ZANG)).
Of the two finishers in the EI110 (J), it was Cruise Along Water Lilly (ISH by CC Captain Cruise) and young rider Lily Cormican who emerged victorious. Cormican began with a solid dressage score of 33.0 and despite four show jumping penalties and 1.2 cross-country time faults, she took the win on 40.2.
Close behind in second was Lucy Keane riding Ballycreen Kings Mistress (ISH by Kings Master) on a final total score of 46.4.