HAVING settled in well in his new role at Belline Equestrian, Robbie Kearns racked up yet another win, this time aboard Richard Ames’ experienced campaigner Derena Super Star.

The Co Kilkenny-based duo led the four starters from the front, to head the faster Patrick Byrne (Oughterard Diva) and Jemma O’Sullivan with Dartans Hillcrest. A trip to the Rockingham International in England is next on the agenda for this grey, followed by a tilt at the CCI3* at Millstreet.

Kearns has inherited a formidable string of Belline horses since returning to Ireland after spending two years in England with Australian Olympian Kevin McNab. “There’s no place like home and I’m delighted to be back, but I learnt so much from Kevin,” said Kearns. “He’s an incredible teacher, generous with his time and has completely changed my style of riding.”

Amanda Goldsbury and Richard Sheane's Coolnorran Cooley at Hillcrest where they won a competitive EI 110 class \ Equus Pix Photography

Goldsbury shines again

Amanda Goldsbury has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, and has done so again by recording four wins from as many outings with Cooley Farms’ head turner Coolnorran Cooley. The pair led the 31-strong EI110 from the front, while making a debut at the level, Goldsbury piloted the similarly owned Frankfort winner Kincooley Candy Girl into second.

Described by Sheane in last week’s paper as “an extraordinary horse”, the winning son of I’m Special de Muze will now be a hot favourite for the CCIYH2* at Millstreet in two weeks. Having been knocking at the door all season, Joseph Murphy had a smart run to fill third with Dstud Flirtation.

EI100 class

Another professional to enjoy a good day at the office was Robbie Kearns, who having landed the earlier EI110 (O) racked up a one/two in the EI100. Riding Frankfort victor Belline Castle Fifty-Seven (Sligo Candy Boy) and the greener Belline Gucci (Watermill Swatch), Kearns had led the dressage with the former, but placed following the show jumping. “Gucci was bought by Richard as a three-year-old,” said Kearns. “He’s still a little green, so we will be taking things slowly with him.”

Sam Watson meanwhile in third spot, was impressed with his eventing debutante Nominator. Bought to race as a yearling in partnership with Stephen Lanigan-O’Keefe, he was unplaced in three runs under rules and one point to point with his last run being in November. Now a six-year-old, the thoroughbred son of Juke Box Jury has taken to his new sport with great aptitude and looks in Watson’s words “to be a proper one.”