Castlefield Eclipse

THE Irish Sport Horse mare Castlefield Eclipse (OBOS Quality x Furisto) has passed away aged 17. Bred by Sarah Nihill in Co Clare, the mare was produced by Paul O’Shea and Padraig McCarthy before being sold to Switzerland’s Paul Estermann. Together they scaled the highest heights which included winning a bronze medal at the 2015 European Championships in Aachen. The mare retired last season and has two foals due on the ground this spring by Emerald van’t Ruytershof.

Reynolds sixth in ‘s-Hertogenbosch

JUDY Reynolds and Vancouver K continued their good run of form this week when placing sixth in Thursday’s FEI World Cup Grand Prix at ‘s-Hertogenbosch in The Netherlands. Drawn ninth to go of the 18 starters, Reynolds and Vancouver K took the lead with a typically polished performance, which saw the judges award a score of 74.21%. Germany’s Isabell Werth scored yet another win with Emilio when scoring 77.19%. The pair will be in action in today’s Freestyle To Music, their last chance to gain points for the Gothenburg final.

Eric Lamaze back

CANADA’S Olympic champion show jumper Eric Lamaze has returned to competition after a six-month break due to health concerns and won the $8,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m aboard Chacco Kid at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida on his return to the ring. Derry’s Daniel Coyle won Wednesday’s $36,000 Douglas Elliman CSI3* 1.45m aboard Tienna at the Wellington venue.

Strategy plan

HORSE Sport Ireland is currently working on a new five-year strategy for the organisation. Any individual or group wishing to make a submission should note that the deadline for doing so is Friday, March 29th 2019. Submissions should be emailed to independent consultants, Kotinos Partners, who are supporting the HSI Board in the development of the new strategy.

The email address is: info@kotinospartners.com

MLHR auction

RUNNING until Monday, March 18th, is the online auction in support of the equine rescue group, MLHR who care for 200 horses, ponies and other animals with the back up of 70 volunteers. There are plenty of great items donated for this fundraiser and all support would be most welcome. Bill Holmes and Holmestead Saddlery are supporting the auction and check out the Holmestead Superstore Facebook page.

Hunter trials on

THE Louth Hunt hunter trials are on tomorrow (Sunday) at Tattersalls Farm, Fairyhouse, Co Meath, starting at 10am. On Monday, March 18th, the Steamstown Harriers are hosting their hunter trials at Annaharvey, Tullamore, while the Kilkenny Hunt are holding their hunter trials in Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, on Sunday, April 14th.