BALLINDENISK hosted the first International of the Irish eventing calendar and, with fine weather and a competitive entry list, the week provided plenty of sport.

Though we’ve seen plenty of rain this spring, ground conditions were drying rapidly due to high winds early in the week, but after some rain overnight the ground proved to be in great condition for the cross-country action.

The first of two cross-country days was even treated to blue skies and blistering sun - you could say there were a few rosy faces and arms by sunset!

It was a truly international field with nine countries represented at the event and just shy of 200 entries - though a little smaller than usual at the venue, given the current climate, it was great to see support for the event.

Speaking after the event, Peter Fell commented: “We are delighted with how it all ran and we owe huge thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and to the riders for making the event a success.”

The Event Horse Owners’ Association provided refreshments for owners on site during the week and will continue to do so at each Irish International this year.

TRM Nutrition sponsored the CCI3*-S, as well as three leading rider categories; Leading U21 rider was awarded to Phonsie Wardell (IRL), Leading Amateur was won by Amy Parsons (GBR) and the Leading Senior Rider was won by Gaspard Maksud (FRA).

Ballyvarney Sport Horse Medicine awarded Best Turned Out at the First Horse Inspection to Tredstep CCIJ2*-L - Izzy Barrett and Oakfield Cooley; Charlie Hodgson in the Nutriscience CCI4*-L for Shannondale Varsity, ridden by Tom Woodward; Maxine Rae in the Nutriscience CCI3*-L for Ballyvillane OBOS, ridden by Godfrey Gibbons; and Danielle in the JPMG CCI2*-L for Rebeliant, ridden by Manvendra Singh.