WITH their first four-star long format debut on the agenda at Kilguilkey next week, Ian Cassells and Woodendfarm Jack OD enjoyed a perfect prep run to win the EI 115 (O). As current 1.20 national champions, the duo delivered a smooth performance to complete on their dressage mark of 30.7. Sharing this score, but further from the optimum time, Cathal Daniels held onto second with the speedy LEB Lias Jewell, from Edie Murray Hayden aboard the popular Connemara cross Sandyhill Ceol.
The result was probably not a true reflection of the class however, as a few of those in contention opted to take their time in the country. Among those to slip down the line due to time penalties was recently selected young rider squad members Jenny Kuehnle and Sammy Davis Junior. The Co Kildare-based duo had produced a super flat work mark of 22.5, while as next in line with an opening score of 25.5, Sian Coleman and Hush A Bye Baby also impressed
On a roll, it was Cassells again who headed the restricted division, this time riding Master Quality Imp for Susanna Cawley. The pair had been placed runners-up at Rosanna recently, but leading the field of 24 from the front, they were never headed.
The winner was one of a number of OBOS Quality progeny running at Ballindenisk, and another to feature was the second-placed Oakland Quality, ridden by Esib Power. In third spot meanwhile, was Nicola Ennis riding the level debutante Killossery Kitten. The odd show jumping penalty decided the order of remainder while, following a similar pattern to the first class, several chose to take things handy in the country.
EI 110 classes
It was very good to see Imperial Sky and Sam Watson back out competing after an absence of nearly two years and by adding just time penalties to their winning EI 110 (O) dressage mark of just 18.2, they have certainly not lost their edge. The former international stalwart enjoyed an easy victory to pip his thoroughbred stablemate Clonakilty Bay, as well as Noah Browne with Mr Diceman.
“It is great to have him back,” commented a delighted Watson of the winner. “This was a bit of a test run, to see what we might do with him in the future, but whatever we decide he’s a very special horse. He raises my game on the flat, and it’s been great to have a horse of his calibre in the yard.”
Watson was similarly pleased with the runner-up Clonakilty Bay, who he was competing for the first time. “Michael (McNally) has done a super job with him. He is on the market now, and not only is he a horse I would love to keep in the country, I’m working hard to make it happen.” As a post note to the class, Esib Power had a super run with her top horse Senza Fine. Although, due to a course error in the show jumping, an elimination appeared by her name, reports filtered back that the pair enjoyed a notably smooth run in the country.
One of the most surprised winners of the day was Yorkshire’s Hannah Marley, who was making her Irish eventing debut in the EI 110. A bloodstock student at the Royal College of Agriculture in Cirencester, Marley has been on work placement at Coolmore Stud and, currently based with the Shanahan family, is due to return home in September. Riding the smart Done Time, she completed less than a mark in front of Joseph Murphy aboard My Foxhall Kit, as well as Ian Cassells with BDE Olympic Royale. “We’ve never led the dressage before and never jumped a clear round at this level,” said Marley. “It just seemed that all the stars were aligned! This is an amazing venue, with such a relaxed vibe.”
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