WARRINGTON Topflight Equestrian Centre once again proved a happy hunting ground for Max Foley, who claimed top honours in the TRM Showjumpers Club Spring Tour on Saint Patrick’s Day. It marked the third consecutive year that Foley has secured victory in the Spring Tour at the Kilkenny venue. This time, riding the eight-year-old Illusion De Hus, he took the win when delivering a clear in 33.64 seconds.

Owned by Hugh McOwan, this French-bred mare is well related by Baloubet Du Rouet and out of the Ugobak Des Baleines-sired dam, Duras De Hus. Her owners bought her as a five-year-old from France. Under the command of Foley last year, the pairing won the 1.35m North Star Classic at the Breeders’ Classic and, before this, finished second in the 1.10m/1.15m qualifier at the Dublin Horse Show and second in the Championship. They also won the 1.20m at the National Balmoral Championships and have since delivered results at 1.35m level.