SUPPORTED by record entries, including riders from nine visiting nations, the Sema Lease Camphire International Horse Trials gets underway on Friday. Although just 10 weeks ago, the event’s immediate future had been in doubt, this ninth renewal has attracted a new title sponsor and, boosted by the inaugural HSI €10,000 two-star bonus for overseas riders, has drawn some of the most recognisable names in the sport.

Thanks largely to event owner, breeder and enthusiast Richard Ames of Sema Lease, together with a loyal band of established supporters, the picturesque Co Waterford venue will greet riders from America, Australia, France, Britain, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and South Africa.

Among them are the world’s fourth ranked rider Tim Price from New Zealand, as well as his wife Jonelle, who travels fresh from her back-to-back four-star wins at Badminton and Luhmuhlen. Their legendary compatriot Blyth Tait is also due to take part, as is the recent Kilguilkey winner Kevin McNab from Australia who, with two runners,will be aiming to extend his lead at the top of the HSI bonus leaderboard.

The British entry numbers 36 riders alone, but they, like others, will face a strong challenge from one of the strongest home contingents seen in recent years. Recently nominated World Equestrian Games riders Sarah Ennis, Cathal Daniels and Padraig McCarthy are all are due to run, supported at Camphire by High Performance manager Sally Corscadden together with a full coaching team.

These high-profile entries and others are spread evenly between the seven classes, with the long format Sema Lease CCI3* fielding 30 runners, and the Castleacres Insurance Brokers CCI** and the Eventing Ireland CCI* fielding 54 runners between them. Numbers increase for the popular Cahervillahow CIC*** feature and again for the Gain Equine Nutrition CIC**, the CIC* and the remaining Horse Sport Ireland CIC*YH.

It is the strong entry in the long format Sema Lease CCI3* that has pleased both new sponsor Richard Ames and also organiser Paul Brady.

“We are delighted with the huge number of entries that we have received, especially in the long format classes,” said Brady. “The bumper entry and the quality of the entrants indicates that Camphire now has a well-established date on the international calendar.”

WIDE RANGE

Part of the attraction of Camphire is this wide range of classes on offer. These make the journey more cost effective for owners as they enable riders to travel with several horses of differing ages and experience. As a result, one class that is proving especially popular is the Horse Sport Ireland CIC*YH confined to six-year-olds. This showcase has really developed into a prestigious class, and once again will deliver firm indicators to the Lion D’Angers selectors.

In a major change from recent years, the track in the feature Gain/Alltech CIC3* has been designed by resident builder Paul Brady, with Olympic and World Games designer Mike Etherington Smith on hand to advise and mentor during the handover. “I am delighted to have the support of Mike in the transition,” reveals Brady.

“He has provided the technical advice, and I am very grateful to him for all his help and guidance over the years. When I was riding myself, I always enjoyed Mike’s courses – especially at Blarney Castle and it was always our vision (Allen and myself) that Camphire could be similar.”

Obviously, the recent spell of dry weather has made the organisers extra vigilant about the ground. Brady reveals that the team at Camphire has been watering most nights for the past three weeks, and in addition, the courses will be spiked nearer to the competition itself.

Making every use of Camphire’s not inconsiderable natural attributes, Brady has based his course largely around that of last year. There are of course several notable changes, while among the feature fences is the spectator friendly Horse Sport Ireland Water. Jumped in the three-star by both the long and short format riders, the direct route will follow two accuracy demanding skinny brushes, set on three strides.

Other notable long format fences will include the angled brush (12) on top of the hill which, according to Brady, could be an easy fence to have a run out at. The Keyhole follows before a long gallop leads on to the Dungarvan Transport Shields, and yet another complex where a drop is followed by an angled brush rail.

“It is a good question and requires honesty from the horses as well as good riding,” added Brady.

Riders progress towards The Irish Field table in front of the house, and then towards a complex in the main arena. Heading towards home is the Sema Lease water (25ab) which, unchanged from last year, features a big drop in before jumping out up the step and bounce out over the log.

Within sight of home, the two curved Eyelashes appear as the penultimate, before riders make their way to the last.

SEMA LEASE CIC3*

Looking through the start lists, the feature Sema Lease CIC3* is likely to be a close-run affair. Kiwi Tim Price, who is double-handed with Ascona and the promising Kincooley Cruising, looks to be the one to beat, but also likely to be in the mix is compatriot Jesse Campbell riding Cleveland. From the home side, Ireland’s Cathal Daniels comes forward with his Chatsworth CIC3* victor Sammy Davis Junior, while Michelle Kenny will be keen to capitalise on her sparkling Luhmuhlen form with the exciting Carlchen.

With the generous €10,000 bonus up for grabs in the two-star series, it is unsurprising to see an especially strong field. Kevin McNab, already at the top of the leaderboard rides two, including his Kilguilkey winner Willunga. Another overseas rider likely to make an impression is the in-form Jonelle Price, while Ireland’s favourite could be Brian Morrison with recent Ballindenisk winner Global Ex

Finally, and at the time of writing, the popular HSI Masterclasses for four and five-year-olds will take place on Saturday evening and Sunday morning (time to be confirmed). These showcases carry a generous prize fund, while the winner will receive the Skylighter Trophy, kindly presented by Joe Craig.

The well-supported tented village at Camphire continues to grow, with even more trade stands planned for this year. Other attractions will include Sunday’s very popular Gain Charity Dog Show, which this year is aid of the Irish Guide Dogs. Another well liked attraction is the Birds of Prey exhibition and the popular Blackwater Eco boat trips which will run twice a day from Camphire to Villiarstown Quay.