“WELL worth the long drive” was how Kildare-based Hannah Fielding described the first DI Inter Regional Final, after she and her home-bred DWS Firelight claimed both the elementary and medium category 3 championships. The elementary class was the biggest of the day, with 18 combinations appearing in front of judge Paula Geiger, and Fielding’s score of 72.22% gave her a margin of nearly a mark over reserve champions Rosemary Gaffney and Norabel.

The podium positions in the cat. 2 championship at this level were dominated by the hard-working hosts on the South Munster committee, with Lene Rose and Fernhill Nearly Darc edging ahead of Ana Maria Hughes and Ballycahane Billy on collectives, after both scored 69.44%. Hughes was also third here, on Sligo Dark Knight (68.89%).