EXCITEMENT is building ahead of next week’s international event at Ballindenisk, which this year celebrates a wonderful 50 years of eventing. With the enduringly enthusiastic Fell family at the helm, the venue has gone from strength to strength and, never complacent, significant changes and improvements have been introduced as the years have progressed.

To celebrate this special anniversary, the organisers have pulled out all the stops and the response has been overwhelming. The event has attracted many of the world’s top riders, including the number one ranked Harry Meade, as well as a large number of his compatriots including Emily King and Alexander Bragg.

Standing out among the remainder are the multi five-star winning rider Caroline Powell (New Zealand), Marcio Jorge (Brazil), Halle Coon and Grace Taylor (USA), as well as several members of the Japanese silver medal-winning Olympic team and another squad from Hong Kong.

Taking up the challenge are a sizeable and powerful contingent from the home nation, among whom are Sarah Ennis, Sam Watson and Joseph Murphy.

Bumper entry

The appeal of the wide variety of classes on offer has ensured that the fixture will count as one of the most competitive and diverse line-ups in the event’s history. Defying recent trends, the NutriScience-supported CCI4*-L has attracted a bumper entry of 40 runners alone, while the remaining 10 international classes are also extremely well filled.

“It’s a fantastic milestone to have hit and we certainly plan to celebrate over the four days,” commented Peter Fell. “The entries in the four-star long class are back to the days of Punchestown - in fact, all classes are chock-a-block, which is absolutely fantastic.”

The omission of the traditional long format class at Blenheim - which is hosting the FEI European Championship this weekend - has obviously boosted the entries, but what makes next week’s Ballindenisk stand out is the sheer diversity of the classes. In addition to the above is a DAFM-supported development class for four-year-olds, as well as an equally popular Treo Eile sector for thoroughbreds.

Included in the schedule are also two sectors of a Pony Club Nations Cup (at novice and open level) which, running under the banner of the George Mernagh Cup and supported by the George Mernagh fund, is open to riders who have qualified through various championships.

“It’s great to give these pony club kids a chance to compete at a full international event alongside their heroes,” added Fell. “It’s also fantastic to have the thoroughbred class as well, which ties in nicely with Ballindenisk’s long history with point-to-pointing - now approaching 100 years.”

The logistics of staging this mammoth fixture will undoubtedly be challenging. “It’s a great problem to have. But much of the work has been done at this stage. We’re pretty much there. We have erected a large owner, sponsors and riders’ tent alongside the main arena, which will be fun, and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone,” added Fell.

‘Full up’ course

Out on track, Fell has delivered several new additions to his CCI4*-L track, which will largely take the same route as the Helen West-designed course that was used in April.

There are several tweaks however, as Fell has introduced a re-jigged combination at fence eight. This will now feature a ‘mim’ pinned oxer to a pinned corner before two strides to a bull’s head skinny. Another will be a table to a corner on the return home, which according to Fell will require plenty of concentration.

“It’s all pretty full up,” he said. “There’s certainly enough out there (and enough runners) to make it a real competition.”

Looking through the entry lists, the feature NutriScience CCI4*-L appears very open indeed. The British entry looks strong and notable among them is Hayden Hankey, who rides the Irish-bred Harlequin du Carel-sired gelding Fools In Love. Placed fourth in the equivalent class at the prestigious Bramham fixture in June, he could have the edge over Yoshi Oiwa (MGH Grafton Street) and newcomer Barnie Brotherton with DHI Nelson.

There are just four home runners, all of whom stand a good chance of impressing. Casey Webb carries classy recent form with the smart HHF Elegance, but will be challenged by Sian Coleman (Carrowgar Je t’Aime Max), as well as Joseph Murphy (DStud Flirtation) and Janie Cairns (Premier Charlie).

One of the most coveted of trophies is the Michael Leonard championship (CCI*Intro) for five and six-year-olds. Always keenly contested, it has attracted 27 entrants, including three from Britain and one each from Canada and Japan.

Flying the home flag, and emerging as one of the favourites, is Sarah Ennis who rides her seasonal five-time winning partner Ordonnay. Alyssa O’Neill and DS Are You Tom could also go well, as could the Kilkenny-based British rider John Tilley, who looks well mounted with Borris Cornet Coole and Jerpoint Will. Another cross-channel raider is Alexander Bragg, whose Shannondale Meela travels on the back of four immaculate runs.

The line up for the weekend is impressive by any standards and, combining top-class sport, a festive atmosphere, and a strong sense of history, this promises to be a truly memorable weekend at Ballindenisk.