IT was a good day for young horses, and most notably in the two sectors of EI100. Both were headed by five-year-olds, and first up was Sam Watson who rode his wife Hannah’s much-admired Shanbo Jack Time, a traditionally-bred gelding by Jackaroo.

A model of consistency, and yet to make a show jump error this season, the gelding is according to his rider, “A proper one, and definitely one for the long road.” Sourced as a three-year-old from his breeder Frances Corkery out of a mare by Cougar, Watson has produced him slowly and with his future in mind.

“He’s the one who will present me with the dilemma as to whether to keep going,” he said. Watson also commented on the ground, saying: “Thank you to the Furnell family for running. It was a great opportunity to get a run like that – I always prefer the soft to the hard, and it’s good for these thoroughbred-sired horses who thrive on these conditions to have their day.”

While time was less influential in these classes, Robbie Kearns opted to take things easy with dressage leader Belline Thistle Bethelasttime, allowing the remainder to move up accordingly. Always in contention, Cathal Daniels was double clear with fellow five-year-old Independent Article to complete in second, from Sara Lundkvist riding the promising first timer Sportsfield Johnny Logan.

Star in the making

Claregalway producer and sector winner Anita Algierowicz looks to have a real star on her hands in the form of Geraldine Quinn’s home-bred mare Cairnview Crystal Springs. EI 90 victors at both Ballindenisk and Hillcrest in this their inaugural campaign, the duo scored again in their first attempt at the higher level.

The pair had shared the first phase lead with Sian Coleman and Kilroe Lego Land, but when this partnership unfortunately parted company at the final fence, the top spot was there for the taking. “I broke her in as a three-year-old, and gave her an easy year last year,” said the rider who, together with her partner Gerry Kyne, runs a busy yard of point-to-pointers. Only a five-year-old, the daughter of Tyson hails from Geraldine Quinn’s old dam line and among several graded horses, she is a half-sister to the American-based four-star event horse Cairnview That Guy Jack.

In second spot, and also double clear, Sam Watson was thrilled with the run of German-bred Nominator, who having had a few runs under rules, is one of the first thoroughbreds he has produced to event from scratch. Once again, the bridesmaid, Cathal Daniels rounded off a good day by taking third place with Cornasaus Junior Hights (Imperial Heights) who is a full-brother to Sammy Davis Junior.