THERE’s a lot happening on the wider stage right now but, as far competition in the Northern Region of Eventing Ireland is concerned, all’s right with the world as Steven Smith got his 2026 season off to a good start with one win and two placings from five rides at Tyrella 1 last Saturday.

Success for the Gilford rider came in the 26-strong EI110 (Open), where he completed on his Rosie Gomes-awarded dressage score of 19.5 penalties with Susan O’Shea’s nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Tullaher Paudie (Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan - Tullaher Luxpat, by Lux Z). Rebekah McKinstry and HVL Jackpot were the winners’ nearest challengers throughout, despite lowering one of the coloured poles for a total of 24.8.