EVENTING’s big guns are out in force at Millstreet this weekend, where following two days of dressage, riders head out across the country today.

Among them is Ireland’s topical partnership of Jonty Evans and the Irish-bred Cooley Rorkes Drift (aka Art), who are making their first public appearance since the horse’s change of ownership last week. As the result of a massive crowd funding campaign, Evans secured the ride on his Irish-bred Olympic partner, now owned by possibly the largest syndicate in the sport.

“As yet we are still debating ideas for the official name of the group,” explained Evans. “However, I can confirm that the two main contributors are Mrs Elizabeth Murdoch and Mrs Jane Moss, and we hope to settle on a name for the remaining group of people who so kindly contributed very soon.” Evans has opened well to fill a competitive fourth place (40.7) in the Connolly’s Red Mills CIC3*, three places behind the title holders Izzy Taylor and Be Touchable on 37.10. With all still very much to play for, Evans is looking forward to today’s challenge commenting: “We came here because we knew that the ground would be good in all phases. The courses are beautifully presented – and I can’t wait to get out there.”

While this short format class has attracted a world class field, the feature event of the weekend is the Noel C. Duggan Engineering Ltd CCI3*. The field of 16 completed their dressage yesterday afternoon, and heading the leaderboard at this early stage is Australian visitor Kevin McNab. Teaming up with Casperelli, McNab’s sparkling test was awarded a score of 39.3 from the Ground Jury, less than a penalty ahead of American rider Sara Kozumplik-Murphy riding Rubens d’Ysieux. Also impressing in third, the Kiwi legend Blyth Tait (Havanna van’t Castaneahof) carries forward 42.5, while Ireland’s Esib Power (Soladoun) is also well in touch in sixth spot on 48.4.

The home side have already racked up their first win of the weekend, when Charlotte Dixon headed the Gallivan Murphy Hooper Dolan CIC*. Riding V Zermie 51, Dixon led from flagfall, to head British rider Tallulah Bartlett (Candyman Leanorth) and compatriot Alfie Marshall with Tiggity Boo.

Ireland is also well placed in the Sport Ireland CCI** which sees New Zealand’s James Avery (Zazu) holding a clear advantage on 41.3, and Jodie O’Keefe with Reenmore Duke well in touch in third. Further cross-country action kicks off today at 9am.

Full Millstreet International coverage in next week’s issue.