Leading from flag fall, last year’s Ballindenisk CCI** victors remained clear of both Kim O’Gorman on the mare Six Hills Sapphire and Clare Abbot with Oakley. Like the majority of Watson’s horses, the traditionally-bred winner is by Puissance out of Skies of Blue (by Horos) who has also bred Louise Bloomer’s advanced horse, Hollybrook Sky High, and the younger Imperial Skies.

In the first of two CNC* divisions, Aidan Keogh confirmed his belief in the promising King Tredstep when they produced one of only four double clear rounds. The Kings Master gelding completed on a score of 32.0, just ahead of Ian Walsh with Dan Foley’s distinctive appaloosa gelding, Indian, and Esib Power with Kodaline.