IT was a first international success for Ireland’s Godfrey Gibbons, as he piloted Ballyvillane OBOS (ISH) to victory in the NutriScience Equine CCI3*-L class for owner Richard Ames.

This combination was awarded a dressage score of 28.8 penalties by Marie Hennessy (IRL) and Faith Ponsonby (IRL), and jumped a double clear to remain on that score at the end of the competition.

It’s been a busy spring for Gibbons as he settles into his role as stable jockey for Belline Equestrian, with two internationals already under his belt in his bid to get his name in contention for the World Championships later this year.

“We’ve been blessed with great riders here at Belline over the years and Godfrey is no different, he’s settled in so well with the team and I’m delighted for him to get this win,” a delighted Richard Ames commented.

“He’s had to get a few qualifications this spring to get himself and the horse back up to four-star level, but he’s got what he needs to head to Millstreet now to hopefully get into contention for Aachen in the summer.”

Ames also commented on the international feel of Ballindenisk this year: “A huge amount of credit to Peter (Fell) and his team as the event ran so well, attracted riders from all over and ground conditions were just perfect.” Daniel Alderson (GBR) and Hurricane Fly B (ISH) posted a 29.4 penalty score and added just 1.2 time penalties on the cross-country course to finish in second place, a nice follow up to their seventh-place finish in the short format at this level last September. The nine-year-old Hurricane Fly B is owned by Orla Byrne, Emma O’Shea and Anne-Marie Nolan.

Alderson also partnered his other mount Annestown Royal Blue (ISH) to finish sixth in this class, two poles on the floor on the final day dropping them just off the podium.

Tom Bird (GBR) made his trip over to Ireland a successful one finishing third on his own, Frances Bird and Helen Kerry’s chesnut mare, Lenny (CZEWB).

They added 2.4 cross-country time penalties to their dressage score of 34.8, leaving them now qualified to step up to CCI4* later in the season.

James O’Haire rounded out the top six, taking fifth place with Penelope Guinness’ home-bred Jamaica Rose. Now a nine-year-old, the Pointilliste (USA) (TB) mare has been ridden more recently by O’Haire’s son Jack.