ON Wednesday, Irish horses and riders made a very strong start to the Balmoral two-star International Show. Athlone’s Francis Derwin guided the 11-year-old mare Parvati Aeg to victory in the 1.45m Winning Round with a clear in a time of 43.52. Waterford’s Francis Connors finished third with the Jack Warner-bred Carrigshawn Vendi Royal (ISH), while fourth place went to Kilkenny’s Marta Hughes Bravo and the Marion Hughes-bred HHS Figero (ISH). In second was Tayvale Hunky Dory ridden by James Smith (GBR).

On Thursday, Carlow’s Jason Foley partnered the 12-year-old mare Origi van de Bandam to victory in the Connolly’s Red Mills Spectacular while Waterford’s Francis Connors and Carrigshawn Vendi Royal scored their second podium finish of the week when taking third place. They were divided by Alexandra Mclean and Orville Vd Watermolen.

Victory in Friday’s 1.45m CAB Group and Dunlop Homes CSI2* International Grand Prix went to Great Britain as Joe Fernyhough and Calcourt Countdown were fastest of six double clears in a time of 39.13 seconds. From the original starters, six booked their place against the clock. Irish riders put in a gallant attempt as they claimed the top five remaining places. Former winner, Francis Derwin, and Parvati Aeg were fractions behind with a clear in 39.30, while Richard Howley and Hornet des Granges took third with a clear in 39.46. Last year’s winner Jessica Burke and Bwe Windsor accounted for eventual fourth with a clear in 43.65, while Katie Nallon and Carnlea Flamenco took fifth when they kept all the poles in place in 46.93. Completing the top six was Harrison Blair, and L – l’Esprit Hero Z, who failed to complete the jump-course after booking his place.

With classes still underway at time of print, the above is merely a selection of highlights and a full nine-page report on all the equestrian action at Balmoral will appear next week.