NEW Zealand eventing legend Blyth Tait and British international Ben Hobday are among the top international riders attending the Kilguilkey International Horse Trials in Mallow next weekend.

Such is the growing popularity of this friendly fixture, entries have almost doubled this year, with 175 runners contesting the five classes on offer. There are 70 runners in the Haygain CIC3* and the Top Spec CIC2* combined, while another bumper entry fill the popular Global Event Horses CIC*.

With the underage European selections on the horizon, a further glut of juniors and pony riders will be out to impress in their respective trials.

Now in its fifth year, and the second at three-star level, organiser and host Danny Dulohery has been working hard to perfect all areas. Most importantly, he has focussed his efforts on the ground, and having been assisted by favourable weather, the going should be spot on for the weekend.

“We have put a lot into managing the ground throughout the year to get it right,” explained Dulohery. “At the moment, there is a lovely carpet of grass, and the footing is very good. If necessary, we plan to aerovate and water nearer the weekend.”

Moving on to the competition itself, there is no doubt that Dulohery will pull out all the stops to deliver three tracks of the highest class. Mike Etherington-Smith`s beautiful three-star track was unveiled last year, and while riders will notice several differences, it has largely remained the same.

“We felt we got the balance right last year, so we have kept it fresh but we haven’t done too much new building,” Dulohery added. “However, there is a new trakehner two fences from home that could be tricky, and the re-sited towers on the mound will be a good question.”

Among the first time visitors is Kiwi rider Blyth Tait, who teams up with three likely contenders. His CIC3* entrant, Leo Distinction, arrives on the back of a useful second placing at Catton Park last weekend, while fellow challenger Darius IV was placed third at Chatsworth in the spring.

Another to make his debut appearance at Kilguilkey is the popular British rider Ben Hobday. Just days before his departure to represent Britain in the Nations Cup in Virginia, USA, Hobday travels to Cork with four horses including the experienced Ciletto H.

The recently married Hobday will be accompanied in competition by his wife Emma, while others flying the British flag include Rosie Fry, and the Irish-based duo Sian Hawkes and Daniel Alderson.

Finnish junior Neea Karvinen lines up with the Irish-bred Curraheen Duke, and featuring among the other home based riders are Killossery-based Ben Leahy who represents Australia, and American national Brianne Stanley.

The event is an important one for Irish competitors. Necessary qualifications have to be gained, while the experience acquired over this calibre of course is invaluable.

At the time of writing, Sarah Ennis, together with Olympians Joseph Murphy, Michael Ryan and Geoff Curran head the list of senior international riders in the Haygain CIC3*.

TANTALISINGLY

Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound came tantalisingly close to landing the CIC3* at Tattersalls recently, and as a result are likely to emerge as favourites.

They will, however, face tough competition especially from Ryan and Murphy. Making their first runs since Badminton, both Ryan’s Dunlough Striker and Murphy’s Sportfield Othello will be fit and ready to score, as will Heidi Hamilton with the young pretender Dam Easy.

Another young star to watch is SRS Adventure (Sophie Richards), and their inclusion adds further interest to what promises to be an absorbing competition.

Sadly, the planned young event horse classes have been sidelined for this year.

“We felt that it would be too hectic and with so much going on, not ideal for youngsters,” Michelle Dulohery said. “We have built some beautiful fences for it so hopefully we will run it next year but we plan the schedule to accommodate it a bit better!”

Dressage commences on Friday, and will continue through to Saturday along with the show jumping.

Sunday’s cross-country action opens with the CIC3* in the morning, and the Duloherys are hoping that the calibre of the competition, together with free admission, will attract a good crowd of spectators.