THE Treo Eile Thoroughbred Challenge was a new venture for Ballindenisk International Horse Trials last weekend, but it provided the perfect opportunity for thoroughbreds to showcase their abilities in the eventing field.

Fifteen combinations lined up to contest the class, which was run under Eventing Ireland national rules at the EI100 level.

Evita Thomsen and Blackfield (TB) (IRE) were the eventual winners on a score of 30.3 penalties. The Califet (TB)(FR) gelding was unplaced in his racing career, but has had multiple successes in his new career with Thomsen, who is based with Dot Love in Mullingar.

Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo and Louise Duffy were the only combination in the class to finish on their dressage score. They matched the winner’s final tally, but with Thomsen finishing closer to the cross-country optimum time, Duffy had to settle for second place.

Speaking on behalf of Treo Eile, Anne O’Connor said: “It was wonderful to see the retraining efforts paying off with solid performances over the weekend. We are very thankful to the Fell family for including our class, allowing us the opportunity to showcase the attributes of the thoroughbred on an international stage, and for the support of the Irish EBF for sponsoring the prize fund.”