Kurten’s voice

IT isn’t often that the voice behind the commentary at a World Cup Final is world class in itself but that was the case when former world number two, Co Antrim’s Jessica Kurten proved herself a natural at the job when providing show jumping commentary at Gothenburg Horse Show.

People tuning in to FEI TV for Monday’s crucial showdown in the Scandinavian Arena were delighted with Kurten’s insightful commentary and analysis of each horse, rider and jump in the challenging tracks laid out for the riders.

Also showing through was her quick uptake as the cameras panned on the various international owners, former riders and supporting family and friends, vets and FEI officials present in Gothenburg.

Oakes wins again

LEADING side saddle exponent Susan Oakes, the only non-American in a field of 12, ran out an easy winner of the Mrs Miles B. Valentine Memorial side saddle race at the Cheshire point-to-point in Unionville, Pennsylvania last Sunday.

Also getting in two days’ hunting on her week-long visit to the States, the Meath rider landed the two-mile point on the Irish thoroughbred Fort Henry, a 15-year-old Zaffaran gelding.

For a full report on the race, and Oakes’s immediate targets, see page C12.

Irish Pony Club

OVER 470 combinations, representing 36 Branches, are competing today at Annaharvey, Co Offaly in the Irish Pony Club hunter trial championships which are sponsored by Mackey.

The main focus remains on the teams of three championships where the Kilkenny Branch is bidding to win for the third year in a row, but with a new trio of riders who will get the action under way at 9.30am.

Individual classes have replaced the consolation pairs, resulting in a far larger entry.