JUST when you think the superlatives describing Millstreet have been exhausted, the organisers stage an international fixture that call for even more.

Right from the start, the showcase had all the ingredients to make it a success, and delivering in spades it concluded with a double victory for Tokyo gold medallist Laura Collet together with a quartet of Irish individual wins.

More than 320 horses – a third of which travelled from overseas – contested the nine classes on offer. The enduring appeal of the venue is multifaceted, but is largely due to the variety of sectors on offer, the quality and design of Mike Etherington-Smith’s tracks, as well as the Millstreet experience in general.

Technical Delegate Gillian Kyle spoke for many when she remarked: “Every year I drive away after the event has finished thinking it can’t improve any more, but somehow the next event is even better. I have been lucky enough to have officiated at many international events over the years, and due to the attention to detail, and the beautifully presented cross-country fences, Millstreet stands out as one of the very best.”

Another comment came from New Zealand Olympian Jonelle Price, who said: “The place looked incredible, and particularly the cross-country, which was the best I’ve ever seen it.”

The four home victories, together with a glut of prominent placings were a tonic for all involved, and led interim senior High Performance manager Dag Albert to reflect: “I’m delighted to see the increasing depth of both horses and riders, and it’s great to see Esib (Power) do so well with an exciting new one.”

In his additional role as the junior manager, Albert went on to add: “The juniors were so competitive in the open classes, which was great to see. It makes them realise they can be competitive in senior company, and that perhaps Jonelle Price is not always so good! What a venue – it has to be the best in the country, and it’s a great place to see riders being tested, but it’s educational for the horses at the same time.”

Thrilled

Summing up the four days, Millstreet director Thomas Duggan was in good spirits. “It’s been a great weekend of sport and we’re thrilled that so many leading international riders travelled to Ireland,” he said. “Having Laura Collett land the double was fantastic, while the line-ups were truly international, which is extremely heartening.”

Looking to future, Duggan remarked course designer Mike Etherington-Smith is already planning the August fixture which will see the tracks running in the opposite direction. He did however reveal that from next year, there will only be one international horse trials at the venue annually. “The date will depend on the outcome of this August event, and we will see how things go.”

Duggan was also keen to voice his appreciation to the port authorities in Rosslare. “It has been encouraging to hear that the officials at the port have been really helpful and amenable, which has made the travelling logistics for overseas riders less daunting and more attractive.”

Ukrainian refugees

Alongside the sporting action, it seemed hard to believe that over 300 Ukrainian visitors were accommodated on site. Following massive work, which was undertaken in just three weeks, the main indoor arena has been completely transformed to provide the families with self-contained, heated and fully equipped ‘pods’ together with extensive shared facilities, school rooms and play areas.

The Duggan family had made every effort to ensure the families’ privacy throughout the event, and while their presence in the centre meant that some of the areas were unavailable, this did not detract at all.

In a somewhat surreal scenario, neither sector appeared be aware of the other, although, having been briefed in the safety protocols, many of the Ukrainian families enjoyed watching the competition unfold.