EI115 (Open)

DUBLIN international Ian Cassells dominated the results last season and stamped his mark on 2022 when heading the feature EI 115 (O) aboard the newly syndicated Master Point.

In fifth spot (28.2) on the flat behind leaders Clare Abbott and Mr Mighty (23.2), Cassells made up ground in both the country and over the coloured poles, and the close of play, he added just 0.4 show jumping time faults to an otherwise clean sheet.

“Very pleased with him,” he said of the nine-year-old son of Pointilliste, who is now owned jointly by his breeder Bridget McGing, her brother Brian and Ian himself. “The track was an ideal opener. It was nice and galloping, there was plenty to jump and the undulations give you a good guide of fitness.”

In a strong field, Sam Watson will have been equally pleased with runner-up Ballybolger Talisman, who together with the third-placed James O’Haire (HFS Eclipse) were the sole runners from 15 starters to keep their first phase scores intact.

An error in the show jumping denied Cassells a double in the EI 115 restricted, but it did open the door for Co Galway young rider Conor Leahy to post his first win in the senior ranks. Teaming up with the 12-year-old Barnaboy Peaches N’ Cream, Leahy scorched around the country to overtake both the flatwork leader and eventual runner-up Clare Abbott (No Fear) as well as third-placed Cassells with Lisanley.

Leahy, who is currently studying aerospace engineering at Carlow, rides the gelding for his breeders Margaret Hynes and Conor Connelly and hopes to be in contention for the young ride squad this year. He credited this success to the enterprising Western event region, who have staged combined training classes this spring. “That really influenced my form and helped me prepare,” he said.

EI 110 classes

Probably the most delighted winner of the day – and certainly the most relieved was Patricia Ryan, who following a long 12 months on the sidelines due to injury, returned to the winner’s enclosure at her first attempt. Riding her favoured The Caped Crusader (Nazar), Ryan opened her account in the EI 110 open class by producing the best test of the day (15.5) which despite the addition of 10.4 time faults, still maintained the advantage.

“It’s been a slow road to recovery, and to be honest, today was a bit of a challenge - but it feels great to have it over and done with,” reflected Trish. “When I saw my dressage score, there was no way I was going to go too fast, so to win was a bonus.” Looking ahead, Ryan admitted it would be baby steps, but she has pencilled in Ballindenisk and Millstreet as the early season goals.

Chasing throughout, second placed Adam Haugh (Carsontown Cruise) held the distinction of being only runner to protect their dressage score, from Sam Watson who was just fractionally slower with Ballyneety Rocketman.

New season, new ride and a win – was just the ticket for Patrick Whelan who headed the EI 110 aboard Bryan Maguire’s home-bred Penny Delight. This was a first win for the well-related seven-year-old, who by the thoroughbred Superior Premium, is a half-brother to several smart event horses including the Swedish-based young rider team horse Bungowla Diamond Time, and the highly rated six-year-old Diamond Fusion (Sarah Ennis). Whelan, who filled second place on the flat, was one of three within the time allowed, thus heading Orlaith Delamare with Jenny Spinner and Roan Gallagher (Rathory Roanfly).

Underage EI110

A competitive dressage phase in the EI110 (J) handed a narrow lead to junior team member Godfrey Gibbons (Milchem Free Spirit) but after an unfortunate slip up on the flat in the country, the red ribbon passed to fellow squad members Susan Shanahan and Eisfee. Landing their fifth win from 10 runs, the Co Tipperary pair confidently produced the sole double-clear round, and while they added a few time faults, they remained in front of Julia Adams (Milchem Ardeo) and Ben Cousins with Broughshane Boy.

In form pony rider Georgina Pettit creditably picked up two wins on Saturday afternoon, the first of which came in the EI 11 (P). Riding the consistent Connemara Ballyerk Black Beauty, Pettit dominated the flat work phase, and with a competition score of just 21.0, she finished seven clear points ahead of Ava Dowley (Cullion Kemira) while in dressage order, Tom Nestor and Freddie filled third.