HAVING relocated to Devon in 2012, Padraig McCarthy’s life changed direction in more ways than one. On a personal level, he and his wife Lucy started a family, while his progression through the eventing ranks broke boundaries.

Just one year after landing his first event win at Bicton, Padraig represented Ireland at the European championships at Blair (2015), and 12 months later, rode at the Rio Olympics. His mount on both occasions was Lucy’s former ride Simon Porloe, a horse with championship form under his belt.