FOR only the second time in the event’s long history, Grove unluckily fell victim to one of the wettest days of the summer so far. However, the elements did little to mar what was otherwise an excellent day’s sport, as soaked riders, horses, grooms, volunteers and organiser Rosemary Ponsonby all put a brave face on the proceedings. Full credit especially goes to the dressage and show jumping stewards, and most notably to Charlie Lyttle, who despite being soaked to the skin cheerfully remained at his post throughout the competition.

Of course, Grove’s beautiful parkland turf absorbed the rain like a sponge, with the result that the going remained good in all phases. Paul and Allen Brady’s cross-country tracks proved more technical than last year, and featured two new complexes of corners and cottages built on site by Aidan O’Meara. Each up to height course delivered varying questions, and while the tracks rode well in the conditions, some tight time allowed distances often saw only few return fault-free.