The weather tried its best to dampen proceedings during the Open final, but with such a high-quality field it would take more than a little rain to affect the atmosphere. Native River and Emily MacMahon retained their title, winning for the second year in a row.

“It’s always a bit of a risk coming back two years in a row, you don’t want to be beaten, but he’s just beautiful to ride so I’m very lucky,” commented MacMahon after her win. “The girls in England did a really wonderful job on him and we’re excited to head to Dublin now!”

Miia Ruuskanen and Bobby Cool impressed the judges from the outset and were initially pulled in at the top of the line. Following the ride and conformation phase, they finished as worthy runners-up. The 10-year-old, owned and bred by Liisa Rantamaki, ran seven times when in training with Andrew McNamara.

Stephanie Moore and Ice Cold In Alex produced another lovely performance to take third place for owner Charlotte Nolan. The 12-year-old earned over £138,000 during his racing career, but has always been much more than a racehorse to his connections. “He’s always had the most wonderful temperament, and this feels like the perfect second chapter for a horse we’ve all loved for so long.”

Thoroughbred Performance class

Now in their second year, the Succeed Equine Thoroughbred Performance classes returned to centre stage on Saturday afternoon, attracting 30 entries across the two sections. Denise Norton (Jump) and Sarah Collen (Conformation) returned to judge again this year and were joined by Derville Diamond (Flatwork). In the Intermediate section, Olivia Kelly and Allesnick were comfortable winners, finishing more than 10 marks clear of the next competitor.

The six-year-old by Dragon Pulse has already qualified for the Dublin Horse Show in the Lightweight Working Hunter class.

“We got him as a three-year-old from my dad’s friend Brendan Kinsella,” said a delighted Kelly. “He had some time off when he came to us and we’ve just taken our time with him, doing plenty of hacking.

“He was Champion Home Produced at the Northern Ireland Festival this year and third in the Working Hunters.”

In second place was last year’s winner, Teo’s Chance and Bernadette Curry, who made the journey from Armagh once again. Third place went to Tekka Whelan and the ever-consistent Fortunate Max.

In the Open section, there wasn’t a dry eye in the arena, when Corrie Auchterlonie and the 20-year-old Our Father were called forward as the winners.

“I’m over the moon, it was such a surprise!” an overjoyed Auchterlonie commented. “I was kindly gifted him by Karen Ferris and Eoin Barry two years ago, as I was just getting over treatment for cancer. We’re trying to tick plenty off our bucket list this year, as he is showing no signs of slowing down just yet!”

Emily Murphy and Lilly Bobtail claimed second place, finishing just 3.5 marks behind the winners. Pick and Evita Thomsen, completed the top three.