THE EI110 (Open) class at Crecora delivered a closely contested battle, with Daniel Alderson and Elegant Philly (ISH) emerging as the winners with a dressage score of 34.3 and just 1.2 cross-country time penalties to add. This nine-year-old by Kannan (BEWP) is out of Chippy Girl (ISH) and was bred and is owned by Oliver Walsh. Campaigned in 2022 and 2023 by Dominic Furnell, last Sunday’s win was Alderson’s first Eventing Ireland outing on the brown mare.
Finishing just behind was Robbie Kearns on Sorella Blue (SWB by Zirocco Blue VDL), who matched Alderson’s dressage score of 34.3 and also jumped clear. Slightly slower across the country, they incurred 2.4 time penalties, finishing just 1.2 penalties off the lead. Ellen Holmes, riding the Thoroughbred Rastaman (by Indian Danehill), claimed third place with a final score of 36.9.
In the EI110 (A) Ciara Power claimed a well-earned victory aboard Stonehavens Dreaming (ISH), finishing on a score of 30.0 penalties having added four show jumping penalities to her dressage score of 26. By Querlybet Hero (SBS), this was the second win in a row at this level for this six-year-old. Second place went to Sean Looney, riding Drumnaconnell Monza (ISH by Cormint (HOLST)), who finished on their 32.3 dressage score in what was their first run at this level. In third was Emma Egan with Marino (ISH by Kannan), who also delivered a clean sweep in the jumping and cross-country phases. Her dressage score of 33.0 proved just enough to secure a podium finish in what was a tight contest among the top riders.
An unbeatable dressage score of 29.5 penalties from Michael O’Toole and the six-year-old Lisdara Amour (ISH by Coupe de Coeur (HOLST) bred by Grainne Gormley and owned by Nicola Hobson) secured them a convincing win in the EI110 (B) class. Finishing just half a point behind was Enda O’Gorman aboard Via Victory (ISH by Chinook Eclipse(TB)), also finishing on his dressage score of 30.0. In third was John Tilley with Monbeg Crystal Clear (ISH by HHS Cornet) on a dressage score of 31.5.
In the EI110 (J), Gilby Monaghan and A Touch of Frost (ISH) took first place, finishing on their first phase score of 31.5 penalties. Rosie Coad, riding Barberton (TB), was demoted from first to second when four show jumping faults were added to an impressive dressage score of 28.0. In third, Kate A Walsh and Fernhill Copy Cat (KWPN) started out in second on 28.3, but 8.4 combined penalties pushed them to a final tally of 36.7.
Donnacha Anhold with Rushfield Houdini winner of the EI100 at Crecora Pam Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times
EI100 classes
In EI100 company, Donnacha Anhold produced a commanding performance aboard Rushfield Houdini (KWPN by Cedric) to take first place, finishing on their first phase tally of 28.0. In second place were Robbie Kearns and Belline Kasparov (ISH by Quality Time (HOLST)) who also finished on their dressage score of 29.5. Cara Padden, riding In Command (ISH by Island Commander(TB)), rounded out the top three after a dressage score of 30.8 and 1.2 cross country time penalties.
David Keatley is making waves in the junior ranks taking his second win from two outings on the trot with The Kings Ransom (ISH by Kings Master) in the EI100 (J) on a standout dressage score of 27.3 penalties. Evita Thomsen, riding Black Field (TB) finished in second place on a final score of 34.3. Tied for second in score but taking third place on countback was Grace Mahon on Murvey Katie (CP).
Laura Coughlan and Tullowcussane Peaches (CP) took third place in the EI100 (P) when a costly 3.6 cross-country time penalties were added to their best in class dressage score of 28.5.
Susan O'Brien with Ballinagore Aaron (ISH) winner of the EI100 (P) at Crecora\ Pam Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times
Susan O’Brien and Ballinagore Aaron (ISH) took first place here for the second time this season, finishing on their dressage score of 31.5 penalties. Hot on her heels was Hannah Goold who, riding Allendara Bay Dees Shadow (CP), also completed on her dressage score of 32.0.