IVAR Gooden, Imogen Murray’s traditional Irish-bred cross-country machine, has built up both a remarkable jumping record and fan club, just as similar trailblazers like Over To You and Opposition Buzz have done beforehand.

The 12-year-old was bred near Nenagh by Pat Coffey and his ultra-consistent record at the new five-star level includes eighth place at Badminton this year, followed up by sixth place at Burghley.