WITH the time proving significant once again, it was dressage leaders Fraser Duffy and Fernhill Silk Road who galloped away with the CNC2*. In this, their first run at the level, the Co Kilkenny duo opened and completed on 25.5 to head Daragh Byrne, who delivered the remaining double clear with Ambassador (27.1). Now an eight-year-old, Carol Gee’s winning son of Guidam is out of a thoroughbred mare, and covered the ground with ease. “That was a big attraction when buying him,” said Gee, who now hopes to complete the season with another run at the level in order to pick up the international qualification.

As the only other runner to return within the time, Byrne and Daniel Meagher’s Ambassador, completed a full 10 marks ahead of third-placed Patrick Byrne and Anchorman.