WITH the sun shining, the first week of the Mullingar CSI2* came to an exciting conclusion as the Karlswood Stables CSI2* Table A with Jump-Off 1.45m Grand Prix brought the opening week of competition to a thrilling end. There was a strong field of 46 looking to claim the win and six of those booked their place against the clock.

Placed second in the class before, Sameh El Dahan went one better as he partnered Balou Breeze to a clear in 38.06. Owned by Sycamore Horse Farm and bred by Joe Sloan, this 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare is by Balou du Rouet and out of the Cavalier Royale-sired dam, Cavalier Whirlwind.

Speaking after the class, El Dahan said: “The plan for the whole week was this class, she has been in great form lately and the plan was to win it and thankfully it worked out today. The course designer did an amazing job, having six out of the 53 entries. I was second last to go, so that gave me an advantage. I watched a few and I knew my mare was very fast and I am good at turns. It’s a great venue and they have really invested in the facility. They have done a great job and to run a two-star for two weeks in Ireland and with weather like this, it’s great. From here, the plan is that the horses will travel to Calgary on Monday week.”

Following an impressive week at Balmoral CSI2*, Jason Foley put in another super performance with Cute Face to take the runner-up spot with a clear in 39.48. Owned by Chedington Equestrian and Ellie Guy, this 12-year-old gelding is by the Christian 25 Argentinus-sired dam, Almeeda.

This combination has recently returned from international duty in the CSI4* in Vejer de la Frontera.

Last of the double clears in 44.58 was Robert Splaine aboard Sandra Devine’s 10-year-old Laranco. Bred by J P A Van Bussel, this gelding is by Bustique x Garanco.

Adam Carey put in a very fast round with Quebello D, stopping the clock in 38.21, but it came with a hefty price as he had one on the ground for eventual fourth. Owned and bred by Philippe Berthol, the 16-year-old stallion is by Quidam De Revel and out of Salina.

Lt Michaeli Byrne filled the next two places in the line-up, finishing with four faults on both mounts. She delivered her best time with Dunboyne, coming home in 39.35 for fifth and took sixth with MSH Claregalway when clocking 41.51. Dunboyne was bred by Stacey Babes, this nine-year-old gelding is by Elvis Ter Putte and out of the Sibon W-sired dam, Wrenwood Bambilino. MSH Claregalway was bred by Niall and John Mullins and is an 11-year-old mare by Cornet Obolensky and out of the Acobat II-sired dam, Lady Acobat.