HAVING attracted some of the world’s elite, the team at Kilguilkey ran a fitting event last weekend, and were rewarded by a wealth of compliments and promises to return. Running as the second SemaLease international fixture in the space of a month, this edition was much better supported than the first, with riders from no less than 13 countries taking part. Some needed individual Olympic qualifications, while others, according to organiser Danny Dulohery, were drawn by the prospect of running their top horses over the Ian Stark-designed tracks. “The introduction of Ian has probably been the turning point of these events,” declared Dulohery. “Riders have told me that he is their favourite designer and that they, like me, are hoping he won’t retire!”

A large group of antipodean riders made up not only the biggest overseas contingent but also the most successful one. Between them they dominated all three long format classes as well as featuring at the business end of the remainder. “Everyone was very friendly and laid back,” said first time visitor Jonelle Price, winner of the CCI4*-S. “It reminds me of eventing back home in New Zealand. I also think we were lucky to come, because the going was good and we keep hearing reports of bottomless ground in the UK.”

Although the event was beset by bouts of rain, especially on Sunday, the organisers were indeed lucky with the ground conditions. “We got a good amount of work done after the last event, and the gods did the rest,” remarked Dulohery. “We also put a lot of water onto the show jumping arena, which over the winter has been enhanced by the addition of around 1,000 tons of sand.”

Another reason Kilguilkey is attractive to the professionals was explained by Olympic silver medallist Kevin McNab. “There are so many useful classes here and the ground is reliable,” he said, “I have travelled with five horses which have run in five different classes, so it makes the trip worthwhile.”

Reflecting on the event as a whole, Dulohery was pleased with the outcome, and has disclosed that he has applied for two dates again next year. He also paid tribute to his loyal band of volunteers, as well as to his wife Michelle who, “does the work of five people behind the scenes and doesn’t get the recognition she deserves.” Another recent and valued cog in the wheel is Youghal-based David Linehan, who single-handedly procured an impressive number of new sponsors, both for class and fence ownership.