IT was to be a clean sweep for British riders in the long format classes, with Oscar Fitzgerald and Super Cillious taking the win, just 0.8 penalties ahead of Ireland’s Alannah Kelly and Cooley Capri Sun. It was a tightly fought contest, with only four penalties covering the top 10 places after the three phases were complete.

There were two competitors who impressed the judges enough to break the 30 barrier in the dressage arena; Nicole Pearson and Hanerina SSF on 29.5 and Sarah Ennis and Dolmen Stellor Design on 29.6 penalties. Tied for third on 30.0 penalties were eventual winner Fitzgerald and Clare Abbott with Kilcoltrim Cooley.

In comparison to the other long format classes, the cross-country course didn’t cause quite as many problems, with 20 combinations coming home clear inside the time. The final day of a three-day is always interesting, but combine this with monsoon rain and competitors had to work really hard to keep their focus and keep the poles up.

Difficult conditions

Event organiser Peter Fell described the conditions as “very difficult” and mentioned that there were multiple sandbags keeping the fences in place. “We spoke with the ground jury, who in turn also spoke with the riders, who were happy to jump so we just did our best.

“We kept the warm up in the Main Arena as opposed to in the newer arena like we had done the previous day - this just allowed us to keep it all together and avoid the opening and closing of gates and movement of horses.”

There were plenty of clear rounds jumped in the driving rain, but luck was to leave the top two after the first two phases, Pearson and Ennis, as both rubbed a rail to knock them down to seventh and eighth respectively. It was 16-year-old Fitzgerald, and the hugely experienced Super Cillious, who stood at the top of the line up after a double clear. “I was so lucky to get the ride on Ken, his owners are so kind,” he said.

“He was so happy with himself all weekend and, after his holiday, I am going to aim him at Juniors next season.” The 15-year-old gelding, bred by Sally Bullen and owned by Lucy Allison, Mrs Deb Bevan, Mrs Juliet Donald and the rider, was previously campaigned up to four-star level with Vittoria Pannizon. They are fresh from their win in the CCI2*-S Junior Section at Cornbury Horse Trials earlier in the month.

Fitzgerald took over the ride on him earlier this year and they have formed a strong partnership already. “He is so cool and loves the cross-country, we had a great spin around the course!” the winner said. The horse had a minor injury and it was decided that he would just be campaigned at a lower level. Previous rider Vittoria said “he likes Ireland, my last run with him was the Nations Cup in Millstreet and he gave me a superb ride there a few years ago. It’s so exciting to see him being ridden so beautifully by Oscar!”

By Melanie Young