SANDWICHED neatly in between the international showcases at Tattersalls and Kilguilkey, last weekend’s national fixture at Ballindenisk attracted a full quota of runners across its card of 12 classes. The unseasonable weather, had delivered the ground in perfect condition, and the tracks, variously designed by Peter Fell, Dereck Hamilton and the newly accredited Ray Doyle proved straightforward, yet flowed well and gave horses every opportunity to gallop.

The cross-country action took place at the lower end of the farm, which allowed the dressage arenas on the opposite side to run continuously later into the day. The 11.30am dressage kick off for the EI90 classes was a popular move, as was the prompt 12 noon cross-country start. Rattling through the card, and with only one faller, the final runner was home and hosed before six.