AS one of the Red Mills eventing ambassadors, it was appropriate that Sam Watson should land the first leg of this popular series aboard Belinda Keir’s Ardagh Highlight.

Watched by Connolly’s Red Mills equine brand manager Jane Davis, the Co Carlow duo led from the front (26.6), ultimately producing one of just two double clear rounds. As one of the riders who had schooled on the grass prior to competition, Watson remarked: “We had a great ride. I just love him – he has a bit of the X factor, rather like Bushman. We will do another couple of events at this level, and hopefully move up at Tattersalls.”