STAGED as the first of two international fixtures at the venue this month, last weekend’s Sema Lease Kilguilkey turned out to be a bonanza for riders from overseas. The visitors scooped six of the seven full international classes on offer, with Britain’s Izzy Taylor landing the feature CCI4*-L.

Aptly it was left to Ireland’s Robbie Kearns to prevent a whitewash, as he claimed the final CCI1* Intro class for the title sponsor Richard Ames. Due to an unfortunate calendar clash, Ames was unable to be present at Kilguilkey, but he had plenty to celebrate in Aachen, where Joseph Murphy picked up a top 10 CCIO4* finish on Ames’ syndicate-owned Calmaro.

The event is now enjoying the third year of generous SemaLease support, while a new face to make an impact on the event was the internationally renowned course designer Ian Stark. Although he was also on duty in Aachen, the popular Scot had teamed up with organiser Danny Dulohery last year, and having put pen to paper had designed the cross-country tracks for both four-star sectors.

By doing so, Stark had definitely stamped his signature attacking feel to the tracks, as Izzy Taylor explained. “Ian’s courses are always a big draw for me,” she said. “The more positive you ride, the better the horses go and feel. I rode around his tracks Bramham earlier this year, and they reminded me why I love what I do.”

It was not only the tracks that garnered the praise, as much was centred around the underfoot conditions. Dulohery is well known for his efforts to produce good ground, and last weekend was no exception.

“They did an unbelievable job,” commented the Italian Olympian rider Giovanni Ugolotti. “When I walked it on Thursday it was like concrete, but they continuously watered and aggrovated, and on Saturday, it rode like a carpet.”

Always a popular and valuable stepping stone venue, Kilguilkey once again delivered its well tested brand of informality and relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately, and not helped by the clash with Aachen, the entries were disappointingly down on previous years and although it still needs to be discussed, there may be a case for running just one international next summer. On the plus side, there is big interest in the forthcoming fixture at the end of this month, with the prospect of a full card across the board.

Reflecting on last weekend, Dulohery remarked: “Obviously we were disappointed with the lack of runners, but things are looking very promising for three weeks’ time.

Overall, I was very pleased with the cross-country. When the riders initially walked it, they were a bit cautious, but it rode well and better than they thought. We did introduce some black flag options in the two, CCI4* classes which were mainly to facilitate the level first-timers. It just leaves me to say how much Michelle and I are looking forward to the next event and to thank all our wonderful sponsors, helpers and volunteers for their support.”