EGLINTON Indoor show is historic and full of character in an old Spitfire aircraft hangar, sloping roof and original girders. It was precisely that semi-circular roof which preserved it from Storm Amy at the weekend as belligerent riders toughed it out, thanks to home cooking in the canteen and plenty of classes.

Here many famous horses made their early career appearances including Mr Springfield with local rider Jimmy McCloskey. Jimmy, who worked for Harvey Smith many years ago, recalled at the event held last weekend: “Mr Springfield went on to take fourth in the Athens Olympics with Robert Smith. Many great horses started their early careers at Eglinton.”

Willie Lapsley, whose horses were competing with Megan McGettigan and Josie Doherty, recalled the early days. “Eglinton was never too far to travel to, riders came seven hours drive from Cork. We jumped late in the evening in cold frost. Champions were made here,” he said.

Paris Olympian Daniel Coyle has the advantage of having the airport literally a few miles from his Ardmore home. Eglinton has been his local show and he was there on Friday to watch his stable jockey, Aidan O’Brien, in action with his young horses. He then caught a flight and headed off to catch up with his horses in Canada.

Gerry McCloskey, FEI steward in Dublin has spent years at Eglinton. “This is where it is happening, there are so many good riders from the North West. Many great horses begin their early careers here and we watch them progress. Everything from Olympic horses and riders. Daniel Coyle and all the Coyles, Christian and Jordan competed here. Now we have the new Derry kids like Ben Walsh, Shane McCloskey and Aidan O’Brien.”

Lapsley added: “There are great young horse classes, so the Grand Prix riders bring their novices. The old hangar roof is intact, the steel girders are amazing. It’s the heart of the equestrian community.”

Nobody was more proud than Ben Walsh after steering three horses into top placings in the Grand Prix at Eglinton. The 19-year-old, based with Ronan McLaughlin, knows how to jump clear rounds and adapt to different horses.

Speaking to Irish Horse World contributor Ruth Loney, who was at the event, he said: “I was here since Friday, all the horses were jumping well; they were pretty green enough at this level. The courses were very good all week, Dermott’s horse has a big canter and he went in six to the last.” Ben now heads to Portmore and Cavan shows with the McLaughlin team.

McLaughlin added: “It has been a great show, Ben was very competitive, we are very proud of him.”