THE NutriScience CCI4*-S class proved a popular one for Irish competitors and it was Irishman Ian Cassells, who managed to take the victory, finishing on his dressage score of 29.2, one of only two competitors to do so.

Riding Millridge Atlantis, the 10-year-old gelding owned by Gerry Leahy and Fiona Leahy, Cassells was just 0.2 penalties behind Clare Abbott and Mr Mighty after dressage. After adding faults in both jumping phases, Abbott finished in eventual 13th, leaving Cassells to take his first win at this level.

Bred by Sean O’Loughlin, Millridge Atlantis has established himself at this level and showed all his class out on the cross-country, being one of only two competitors who managed to finish inside the time. “I felt the course was designed with attacking distances and really suited those who were positive from the outset,” a delighted Cassells said. “He’s experienced at this level, so I felt he handled it really well and it sets him up nicely for Pau CCI5*-L in a few weeks.”

Owners are the backbone of the sport, as we are all aware, and praise came from Cassells for his longstanding owner, Gerry Leahy: “Not only is it my first win at this level, it’s Gerry’s too and it’s great that we could achieve this together, as I’ve been riding for him for quite some time now.”

Robbie Kearns and Chance Encounter VII also managed to finish on their dressage score, which saw them take second place. Lying fifth after dressage on 31.2, two faultless jumping rounds saw them climb up the leaderboard. Owned by Richard Ames, the son of Creevagh Grey Rebel, is another one being aimed at the CCI5* in Pau at the end of October.

Taking third place on the podium were Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman, after they added just cross-country time penalties to their dressage score of 39.5. The 10-year-old has some good form from this season, having won the CCI4*-L at Millstreet back in May and been fifth in the CCI4*-S in Ballindenisk in the Spring.

By Melanie Young