THE Richardson family unveiled their new eventing venue Moyallen last Saturday when there was widespread appreciation of this addition to the calendar. Unfortunately, one of the main drivers behind the fixture, Steven Smith, didn’t get to enjoy the fruits of his labours as, wearing the No 1 bib as is so often the case, he took had a heavy fall across country in the EI110 with the leading Le Barantula and had to spend three days in hospital.

The honours in the six-runner class were therefore claimed by Jonny Steele on Pauline Faloon’s six-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Punch Lion (Herald 3 – Carola Lion, by Ard VDL Douglas) whose total of 31.8 included four show jumping penalties. As her name would suggest, the winner’s dam was bred by the late Patricia Nicholson and is a half-sister to the Cruising gelding Cruise Lion (CCI5*) among others.

As a winning rider and as the Region’s rider representative, Steele commented: “Moyallen was a great event. It was lovely to be at a new venue and many thanks to the Richardson family. Everything was close and there was great viewing for spectators.

“The show jumping and cross-country course were educational for both horse and rider. Very good use was made of the space available to get a good gallop over fair and inviting fences. The venue has lots of scope and potential and is a super addition to the calendar.

“Huge thanks to the Smith brothers for their efforts in getting the event off the ground and we all wish a speedy recovery for Steven. Looking forward to next year.”

Withdrawl

Following the withdrawal of Smith’s two rides, only three combinations completed the EI110 (Open) where Iveagh Pony Club member recorded her second success of the season on her mother Cathy’s ISH mare Ophelia Cruise (Landenco – Aisling Cruise, by Bahrain Cruise). The nine-year-old bay completed on her dressage score (27.5).

Ben Rainey rode two five-year-old EI newcomers for owner Ella Boyle in the EI100. Completing on his dressage score (30.3), he won on the home-bred ISH mare Glebe Aphrodite (Timolin – Bella Britannia, by Mr Big Cat) and placed third with the Abbeyfield Comet gelding Monbeg Comet whose total of 35.6 included four show jumping penalties and 2.8 for time across the country.

Amy Roberts split the Boyle/Rainey pair in this 10-runner class when finishing on her dressage score (34) with her six-year-old Black And Amber gelding Clonmacash G Force (34).

The first four placings in the nine-runner EI90, where three combinations were eliminated in the show jumping phase, were filled by an Irish Draught, a Traditionally-bred ISH, a thoroughbred and a Connemara.

Time penalties

The winner, who was partnered by local rider Alanna Linden, was the Francis Murtagh-owned and bred newcomer Burrenhill Dubby (Heigh Ho Dubh – Millhollow Molly, by Crannagh Hero). The five-year-old grey’s total of 29.7 included 1.2 cross-country time penalties. Sarah Sproule finished close up in second on her first phase score (29.8) with the fie-year-old Meadow Lane who was having his second start.

Molly Byrne lost out to Molly Reid in the five-runner EI80 where both had a fence down show jumping. Reid bagged the win on the very experienced 16-year-old British-bred mare Greylands Diamond Girl (27.8) while Byrne had to settle for second with the 11-year-old thoroughbred mare Departures (28.3), who was having her second EI start.

“Apart from Steven’s unfortunate injury, the day went well,” commented event secretary Dora Beacom. “It was disappointing that the entry wasn’t bigger but it was good to get started and there is plenty of scope to expand. It’s lovely old parkland with some fences built in a couple of copses. The Richardsons, who were very involved with the Iveagh Pony Club, are keen to hold more events but perhaps in the spring which would fit in better with the farm.”

The owners held a Go As You Please at Moyallen on Sunday.