AUSTRALIAN Olympic silver medallist Kevin McNab and last year’s Badminton winner Caroline Powell are among an array of international riders due to line up for the third running of the Lisgarvan House International horse trials next weekend.

The antipodeans will spearhead a strong entry for the Co Carlow showcase, among which are riders from Britain, USA, Morocco and Sweden. In opposition, the home team looks notably strong as top riders Joseph Murphy, Ian Cassells, Cathal Daniels, Sian Coleman, Robbie Kearns, Michael Ryan, Patrick Whelan and Esib Power all hold multiple entries in the feature classes.

An unfortunate calendar clash with the much-publicised new event at Scone Palace in Scotland has reduced the British attendance somewhat, but it has not taken away from what is, overall, a bumper entry.

Part of the attraction of Lisgarvan are the Paul Brady-designed cross-country courses, which run over galloping old turf. Much work has been done over the winter and, while the tracks will basically run in the same direction, riders will encounter plenty of new features. The feedback from the organisers is that the ground is good and, with plenty of grass cover, the going promises to be spot on.

For the second year, there will be a CCI4*-L and, while the entry is still traditionally modest, it has increased encouragingly from 12 months ago. “It takes time,” said Brady. “The small long-format entries have followed a similar pattern to the early days of Camphire and will increase as the years go on.”

He also added that, in terms of difficulty, the track will be “beefed up a bit from last year”.

New features

Among the new features will be a revamp of both water complexes, some new ditch palisades and the introduction of the Tiggy’s Trust Mim fences.

During its short history, the event has developed significantly and, in a bid to increase the footfall at the gate, the organisers have pulled out all the stops to promote the shopping village and the event as a whole.

While the most prestigious class of the weekend is traditionally the Cahervillahow supported CCI4*-L, the most competitive looks likely to be the TRM-sponsored CCI4*-S.

Boasting an entry list full of European championship-listed horses, the class of 30 will be hard to call.

The home side appears to hold the strongest hand however, with Joseph Murphy leading the squad with Calmaro and Belline Fighting Spirit. Fellow European contender Ian Cassells is another who will be keen to make an impression and teams up with both the listed Millridge Atlantis as well as new ride Cooley Bounce.

Having enjoyed a week of main arena show jumping at the RDS, Cathal Daniels returns to the event track where he will be busy with the veteran Barricello as well as the talented Shannondale siblings, Mari and Micah.

From Cork, Sian Coleman is double-handed with Kilroe Frolic and Carrowgar Je t’aime Max, while another with likely credentials is Lucy Latta, who will be keen to shine with her 2024 Badminton runner-up RCA Patron Saint.

Catching the eye from overseas, Australian Kevin McNab will be a live contender with his recent Strzegom runner-up Wilfred Lancer and heading the British contingent is the very consistent Andrew Downes. The Staffordshire-based rider has three chances, the best of which could be Cooley Foxtrot.

With selections for the world young horse championships at Le Lion d’Angers on the horizon, the Cooley Farms CCIYH* for six and seven-year-olds is likely to be a highly competitive affair. With just over 30 runners, the class is sure to be competitive, but standing out as hot favourites are Ciara Power with her consistent six-year-old Stonehavens Dreaming, and Steven Smith with the older You Neek. Both are multiple winners this season and will be hard to beat. Another is Amanda Goldsbury who rides both Cooley Lord Livello and A Touch of Cooley.

The action kicks off on Thursday with the first of two days of dressage, while cross-country action will take place on both Saturday and Sunday.