TUESDAY’s disappointing announcement that Danny and Michelle Dulohery were forced to cancel the first of their international horse trials at Kilguilkey House this weekend because of excessive rainfall was quickly followed by the news that the Fell family of Ballindenisk were to step into the breach.

Four short-format classes are being staged at the Co Cork venue with today’s action being devoted to dressage. The Horse Sport Ireland CCI3*-S and the Global Event Horses CCI2*-S both commence at 9am with the Eventing Ireland CCIP2-S getting under way at 2pm while there’s a 3.20pm start for the Black Rainbow CCI1*-Intro.

The show jumping and cross-country phases will take place tomorrow and, with the large sand arena at their disposal, Peter Fell and his team have been able to concentrate on the fences and going on the cross-country courses.

There are very few overseas-based combinations among the 96 listed (there was a cap of 100 on the event) but these do include in-form British rider Kirsty Chabert who has entered Opposition Aphrodite in the CCI3*-S. Chabert and the Opposition Heracles mare won the CCI2*-S at Ballindenisk last September and, earlier this year, placed ninth in the CCI3*-L at Millstreet. Nicole Pearson will represent Hong Kong on Vihara du Causse in the CCI3*-S and on Hanerina SSF in the CCI2*-S. The Duloherys will be hoping for better weather conditions in the lead-up to their international event at Kilguilkey House at the end of the month (July 28th to 31st).