WITH the Connemara and Irish Draught breeds already having established performance classes, it was only a matter of time for the thoroughbreds to follow suit. The track prepared for the Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier at Tattersalls, was utilised on the Saturday afternoon to host the inaugural Treo Eile Thoroughbred Performance Classes. Kindly sponsored by Agria Equine Insurance, the classes were divided into two grades; Intermediate (90cm) and Open (1m). Before the competition got underway, Treo Eile hosted afternoon tea for all competitors and their support teams to mark the occasion.

Seventeen combinations came before judge Denise Norton, for the flatwork and jumping phases, before presenting to Sarah Collen judging the phase three suitability and type. The class format, while new to many competitors, was well received, with the natural elements of the combined show jump and cross-country track being influential in the results.