THERE was a relatively small entry at Hazeldene last Saturday, as this first of two Eventing Ireland Northern Region events at Andrew and Laura Napier’s Co Down venue clashed with Badminton while, in a bit of unfortunate timing, today’s second event clashes with the final day of Balmoral Show.

Those who did make their way to the Ballynahinch farm were, as ever, impressed by the car parking officials, the lovely fences and well laid-out tracks and the wonderful wooden carvings at the most unexpected places. On Saturday, as the cross-country didn’t start until 1.30pm, a great many people were able to watch the start of the action at Badminton on the big scene in the ‘enclosure’, returning when they could.