TADGH O’Haire was another rider to score a double at Kilguilkey, and he began his streak by finishing first and second in the EI110(J) with HFS Valentine and Christopher Robin 2 respectively. Though his second-placed ride had the advantage of a better dressage score (31 to 33.3), his winner secured the only double clear in the jumping phases among the six completions in the class to add nothing further. O’Haire repeated this feat with his ride in the EI100(P), Abbeyside Earl, to finish on his dressage score and add a second win to his tally.

O’Haire’s win here was all the more impressive given that it marked his ride’s Eventing Ireland debut, and that it was convincing. His final mark of 35.3 gave him a comfortable margin over runners-up Willow O’Connor and Tullaree Poppiholla, who completed on 41.5 after incurring four faults in the show jumping phase. O’Connor also finished fourth in this section aboard Barnaboy Oonagh (46.3), sandwiching Georgina Purcell in third with HHO Wayne (44.3).

Kilguilkey proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Purcell family, as Georgina’s brother Jonty topped the leaderboard in the EI90(P) riding FHS Felicity. This combination recorded the highest first phase score of the four combinations in the class, but executing the only double clear in the jumping phases saw them rise to record their second consecutive win, ahead of Elaine Whelton and Lassban Mister Theo.

Jonty also finished sixth in the EI100(J), where Isabelle Walsh claimed the victory with former Nessa Briody ride Isington Girl Power, while his mother Melanie won the EI90 aboard her home-bred FHS Travolta. This combination recorded a finishing score of 35.3, ahead of Keira Crowther and OK Lucky Diamond in second on 36.6. Louise Moran won the amateur section at this level riding Spirit Nala (33.5) when they edged ahead of first phase leaders Ciara Kelly and Fanlehane Narjah (34.9) after the latter combination incurred four faults in the show jumping phase.

Amy Walsh and Maximillion’s Shootin’ Star were faultless in the jumping phases of the EI100 (Amateur) to win comfortably on 36.5, while Alannah Kelly rose from fifth after dressage to win the EI110 equivalent. She rode Milshogue Bailey to a finishing score of exactly 40 marks.