IN a nail-biting finale, Ireland’s sole international victory of the weekend came courtesy of European championship hero Cathal Daniels in the CCI2*-L.

Lying in second spot overnight, and promoted ahead of Izzy Taylor in the final moments, Daniels delivered an all-round foot-perfect performance with Michelle Nelson’s six-year-old OLS Queen Bee.

This was a special win for connections, who not only bred the winner out of the good mare Just Beauty Queen but also her half-brother OLS King Aragon who had claimed the same class two years earlier.

Adding to the celebrations, Just Beauty Queen’s former rider Sue Shortt was also at ringside to watch this promising youngster achieve on her first attempt at the long format level.

“She’s been knocking at the door all year,” remarked Daniels. “She coped well in the show jumping, as the ground was very holding which is always the same when you are last or near to last to go. It was quite a long way around the country, and the time tight for a youngster but that said it was a lovely, straightforward track.”

Unorthodox technique

Izzy Taylor’s disappointing show jumping round with the leader, Briarlands Sweetango, proved hugely expensive in terms of placings. Jumping with an unorthodox technique, the mare lowered two rails which, with the marks tightly clustered, plummeted them to 17th position.

As a result, the remaining places jostled accordingly, with British international Sam Ecroyd benefiting to fill second with his home-bred seven-year-old Withington.

Completing just 0.2 behind Daniels, Ecroyd commented: “I’ve taken him slowly, so he’s about two years behind where he should be. However, he probably has more ability than any other horse I’ve ever ridden, so I’m more than pleased with him.”

Qualification for Ho

Also making ground to slot into third place was the Hong Kong Jockey Club rider Annie Ho riding the Irish-bred Lost In Translation. Making her second visit to the venue, and thoroughly enjoying the experience despite the mud, Ho picked up her vital qualification for the Asian Regional Games which are due to be staged in December.

Agreeing with Daniels that it was a long way around the cross-country Ho commented: “I was quite surprised at the length of the track, but he coped well and understood the questions.”

Completing her double clear round, Ho was especially pleased with her show jumping round, adding: “He used to have a shocking show jumping record, but we seem to have got to grips with it now. So, I’m keeping fingers crossed for selection.”

Less than three marks separated the top 10, and it was a very busy Sarah Ennis who filled two of them. First up she retained her overnight sixth placing with her own Stellor Quick Change, while separated by Sian Coleman (Blarney Acacia) she also held eighth aboard Terence White’s Swatch This.

While the cross-country proved straightforward for the majority, six runners picked up penalties. Two of these failed to complete, but interestingly all got into trouble at different fences, and while the track was long and the time was tight, it was universally described as inviting.