IT was another busy and successful weekend at Mullingar Equestrian, which once again played host to top-class competition during the CSI2* International event.

As always, the team at Mullingar Equestrian left no stone unturned in ensuring the show was a memorable occasion, that attracted leading riders and horses from across the circuit. Spectators were treated to an exciting showcase of international show jumping, with high-quality performances and thrilling action throughout the weekend.

Action in the international arenas kicked off on Thursday, with 86 combinations going to post in the Belvedere Transport CSI2* 1.20m Speed class. Kilkenny’s Marta Hughes-Bravo recorded her first win of the international show, when she posted a clear in 58.74, aboard Miss Belgium 111. Following a great show last week, Sven Joseph Hadley began this week’s campaign in a similar fashion, taking second with HSH Harper du Seigneur in 58.80. Waterford’s Paddy O’Donnell was fractions behind with Quality Command, delivering a clear in 59.42 for third. Accounting for eventual fourth was Shane O’Reilly and BWE Vain Hero, clear in 61.17. Jodie Creighton, who was also in the winnings last week, featured in this line-up, taking fifth with Smalltown Boy IV, clear in 62.12. Completing the top six was Paul Beecher and Brogagh Darcy, clear in 62.94.

Strong field

The second class of the day, the Aisling Byrne CSI2* 1.40m Speed Table A, saw a strong field of 94 participants going to post and, of those, 24 maintained clean sheets. Leading this victory lap was Lt Raphael Lee and Derrycush, when they galloped home in a time of 58.99 seconds. Bred by Alfie Hillen and formerly owned by Clare Hughes, this 12-year-old gelding is by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof and is out of the Aldato-sired mare, Ishd Caldato.

Runner-up in the Grand Prix in Balmoral, Francis Derwin and Parvati Aeg took another runner-up place, when they took the longer line and came home in 62.22. British riders accounted for the next two placings. Best of those was Glain Watkin Jones and La Vie Est d’Or, who was fractions behind Derwin in a time of 62.77. Slotting into fourth place was Harry Wood and Luisa after they clocked 62.88. Jenny Dunlop’s calculated round with Gidion B in 68.25 saw them take fifth.

Rounding off the top six was Emma O’Dwyer and Cornetto Denfer in a time of 69.24.