AFTER a break of four years, Jenny Doran returned to eventing last season and the north Co Dublin rider recorded her first victory in EI100 Amateur company when landing the seven-runner class at Blackstairs (1) with the home-bred Horseplay Clover Star.

The eight-year-old traditionally-bred Captain Clover gelding, who has 28 Showjumping Ireland points, is the second of six foals on the Irish Horse Registry out of the Puissance mare Horseplay Jamboree on whom Jenny accumulated 26 Eventing Ireland points, 155 SJI points and competed in Riding Club competitions. Horseplay Clover Star was preceded by the Grade A jumper, Horseplay Diamond Matrix (by Carrick Diamond Lad).

Other riders to win at EI100 Amateur level this season include Leanne Foster who partnered her seven-year-old 146cms black gelding, Bluelake Scooter, to a narrow victory on July 4th at Lisgarvan House (1) where, the following day, Clair O’Neill and her 11-year-old Cougar gelding Predator had some notable combinations in their wake.

Among those beaten that day were Fiona Cosgrave and her seven-year-old Pacino gelding, Deniro de Semilly, who, on July 18th, were to win the EI100 Amateur class at Frankfort Stud (1) where the following day’s class went to Co Meath-based Christine Brooks and her 11-year-old Lakeshore Road mare, Kingcarra Bartons Lake.

On July 25th, 22 combinations started in the EI100 Amateur class at Punchestown where the honours went to Dani Murphy and the Connemara gelding Thornfield Dubh, a seven-year-old by Corrib Prince. They were one of just two combinations to complete on their dressage score (31.3), the other being Tracey McKeown and Ardeo Chocolate who finished second (33.5).

There were just eight starters in the EI100 Amateur at Kilguilkey House (2) where, again, just two managed to finish on their flat work marks. These were the winner, Jennifer Holland on her nine-year-old Ringwood Harley Carol mare Ballingowan Melody (30.5) and the runner-up, Camilla Driver on Shannondale Dita (31.5).

Among those who have won at EI90 Amateur level this season are Claire O’Dwyer on her eight-year-old Watermill Swatch gelding Knockmullen Lad (Lisgarvan House (1)); Jean Tuohy with her 13-year-old grey gelding Mix Up (Crecora (1)); Anita Algierowicz and Mary Horgan who won over the weekend of July 18th and 19th at Kilguilkey House (1) with Cavalier Monte Carla and Duniro respectively; Holly Geraghty who, on her seven-year-old Pointilliste mare Reasons Unknown, comfortably landed the seven-strong class at Blackstairs; and Rachel Cadden who narrowly won at Crecora (2) with her 13-year-old Corlocha Rocket gelding, Kilshannig Leo.