IN the four-year-old championship, some 11 combinations from the 27 strong startlist delivered clear rounds to share the €4,000 prize fund.

From that group of 11, judges Sean Cubitt and Barry O’Connor choose Deirdre Bourns’ Fuerty Hero Brigade as the overall winner, based on future potential. Ridden by Camilla Speirs and bred by Blaithin Bailey, the gelding is by Querlybet Hero, out of the Clover Brigade-sired Bridgades Cruising.

Speirs was double handed in the line-up as she also jumped a double clear round with Bourns’ Tranquility Bay. She received the Jonathan Fitzpatrick Memorial from Sharon Fitzpatrick after her victory.

Pleased

Speaking afterwards, the Kildare-based eventing Olympian, who has taken a greater interest in show jumping in recent years, said: “I am so pleased with both horses, as they didn’t do a whole lot and to come out on top was amazing.

“They came to me at the end of June with the Irish Breeders’ Classic as the goal. They are very two very nice four-year-olds and it is testimony to Deirdre’s skill and eye for spotting these talented horses. Tranquility Bay was bought at the Go for Gold Sale.

“The IBC is a great event to aim for as it’s a nice environment. The course designer began the qualifiers nicely and then moved up to a stronger championship course. The final on the grass always brings the best out in the horses,” Speirs added.

Taking the runner-up place was Tomas Doyle and Curraghgraigue Quality Two. Bred by Baden Powell and owned by John Kearney, the gelding is by OBOS Quality 004 out of the Aldatus Z-sired Curraghgraigue Zelda.

Finishin in third place was Jason Higgins and Bellevue Celestial. Bred by Northern-based The Irish Field contributor Ruth Looney, out of Bellevue Bird of Paradise, the Luidam-sired mare is owned by Michael Kehoe and Michael Condon.