NOW that Pau is over, how did Irish-breds fare at five-star level this year? A win (Vanir Kamira, Burghley), second (Capels Hollow Drift, Burghley) and third (Swallow Springs, Badminton) results, plus 15 more top-10 places around the northern hemisphere five-stars is the final tally.

Here’s how they placed: Dondante (seventh) was the sole Irish-bred to feature in the Kentucky top-10. However better days lay ahead at Badminton where 50% of its top-10 were Irish Sport Horses: Swallow Springs (Third. Chillout x Cult Hero. Breeder: Maria Keating), Vanir Kamira (Fourth. Camiro de Haar Z x Dixi. Kate Jackson), Ballaghmor Class (Fifth. Courage II. Noel Hickey), Colorado Blue (Eighth. Jaguar Mail x Rock King. Kate Jarvey) and Alfie’s Clover (10th. Tajraasi x Clover Hill. James Hickey).