THE Northern Region of Eventing Ireland staged its first event of the season last Saturday at Tullylish, 19 weeks later than originally scheduled and seven days after heavy rain had scuppered plans to open proceedings at the Stevenson family’s Gilford venue the previous weekend.

There was more rain last Friday night but, thankfully, the land drained well on this occasion and those who attended the event, having first been strictly checked in against the arrivals’ list, were greeted by lush green fields and beautifully-presented fences. The heavens opened again shortly after the final combination came through the cross-country finish.