The organisers had hoped that by moving the final they would avoid clashing with other events in the area but, as these months are popular for many equestrian pursuits, this was not possible. Some riders who were out of contention for prizes decided to try their luck elsewhere, while a few others rode at Killossery before, or after, competing at the nearby Fingal Harriers’ hunter trials.

The majority of the league winners were on hand, although Lucy Hancock, who claimed the Bucas secondary schools’ individual title for St Columba’s with Manolo, was an absentee. The Co Carlow rider had a good excuse, however, as she was in action at the Eventing Ireland one-day event in Ballindenisk where she finished 11th of 24 in the two-star pony class.