ON Wednesday, Irish horses and riders made a very strong start to the Balmoral two-star International Show. Athlone’s Francis Derwin guided the 11-year-old mare Parvati Aeg to victory in the 1.45m Winning Round with a clear in a time of 43.52. Waterford’s Francis Connors finished third with the Jack Warner-bred Carrigshawn Vendi Royal (ISH), while fourth place went to Kilkenny’s Marta Hughes Bravo and the Marion Hughes-bred HHS Figero (ISH). In second was Tayvale Hunky Dory ridden by James Smith (GBR).