IRELAND’S Austin O’Connor is in top position after dressage at Tattersalls International Horse Trials aboard Kilpatrick Knight.

The sun beamed down in tropic-like weather as Ireland’s Austin O’Connor took the lead in the George Mernagh Memorial CIC*** class riding Kilpatrick Knight, who was making his fifth appearance at Tattersalls International Horse Trials and finished the dressage phase on a score of 42.30.

Hot on his heals is fellow Irish rider Jonty Evans who lies in second place riding Cooley Rorkes Drift on 43.30 and Tattersalls first timer Padraig McCarthy, also representing Ireland, is lying in third spot with Bernadette Utopia on 44.30.

In the CIC3* the past four winners all came from the top two places after dressage. Currently Austin O’Connor and Jonty Evans from Ireland fill those places, both hoping to help their Rio claim. The top two Irish combinations from the George Mernagh Memorial CIC3* in previous years, have both gone on to contest the Olympic Games for Ireland when previously used as a trial run, so spectators can expect Olympic fever to kick-off over the next couple of days.

Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair continues tomorrow, Saturday, June 4th and concludes on Sunday, June 5th. There is plenty of action for all the family over the weekend with a free Kids Zone, Tractor Ted, over 100 shopping outlets and food to make your mouth water.

READ MORE ABOUT TATTERSALLS IN THE IRISH FIELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND VISIT OUR STAND AT THE EVENT