ALTHOUGH it may not have been one of the most successful events for Irish riders, last weekend’s opening international at Ballindenisk was certainly a good one for the sport in Ireland. Bearing a strong international flavour, squads from France, Great Britain and Ireland contested the second leg of the FEI Nation’s Cup qualifier, while individuals from Belgium, Brazil, China, Sweden and America joined the home contingent in a further range of classes.

Ultimately the fixture was given the very positive thumbs-up and it was the new cross-country route that headed the list of winning ingredients.