“IT’s been a long three years and it’s good to be back,” reflected The Irish Field editor and guest Leo Powell, and indeed his sentiment was shared by the many revellers who gathered at the Johnstown House Hotel for at the David Foster Ball last Saturday night. Hosted for the first time since the pandemic, and incorporating the Gain Equine Nutrition Media Awards, the evening was a resounding success with guests partying until dawn.

It is now 25 years since David Foster was tragically killed in an eventing fall and the subsequent David Foster Fund for injured riders has been running successfully ever since. Founded by his wife Sneezy and looked after by her, together with fellow trustees, Carmel McShea, Emer Hatherall and Caroline Preston, the fund has to date paid out over €200,000 to around 25 individuals.

The annual ball is its biggest fundraiser, and with that in mind, it was great to see so many notable supporters from both the eventing and the racing worlds. Many of those who couldn’t attend opted to generously sponsor tables, as well as offer a vast collection of eclectic raffle prizes.

Opening the proceedings, the inimitable master of ceremonies Chris Ryan introduced Nick Foster who, representing chairperson Sneezy and the Foster family, welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending and supporting the charity.

The attention then turned to the big screen, where Bit-Media’s spine-tingling video footage of some the highlights of the past season evoked some wonderful memories and set the scene for the first of the awards.

Presented by Gain’s Michael Phillips, these prizes went to the full quota of the pony, junior and young rider squads, all of which gained medals.

Sneezy Foster presents Clare Ryan with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 David Foster Injured Riders Fund Ball which took place at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath \ Tadhg Ryan Bit-Media.com

Lifetime Achievement award

This year there were seven main awards on offer, with the ‘big one’ of the evening, the highly coveted Lifetime Achievement award, deservedly falling to Co Tipperary eventing stalwart Clare Ryan. A graduate of the Duhallow pony club, Clare was a top class and versatile rider and one of the organisers of the very first Ballindenisk international horse trials around 50 years ago.

Always an avid supporter of Irish horses, Clare progressed to become a respected and astute agent with an uncanny ability to match rider with horse. Her many finds include Catherine Witt’s five-star-winning Bay My Hero, Olympians Master Crusoe, Kilroden Abbott and Ringwood Magister as well as the superstars My Boy Bobby and Fernhill Pimms.

Of course, Clare is best known among the younger riders as the voice behind the microphone. A knowledgeable and enthusiast commentator with an encyclopaedic brain, she has tirelessly given her services to event organisers all around the country. Stepping up to receive her award from Sneezy Foster, an astounded Clare later disclosed how she had been led to believe she was joining a gathering of fellow Go For Gold sale selectors to celebrate the year.

“I was absolutely overwhelmed and completely caught on the hop,” she remarked. “It never dawned on me and I’m so glad it was kept a secret as I would have panicked! I feel very humbled to receive this as I am really only a mini cog in the sport, which has always been part of my life and which I love.”

Susie Berry (l-r) receives the Senior Rider award from Gillian Kyle at the 2023 David Foster Injured Riders Fund Ball \ Tadhg Ryan Bit-Media.com

Brilliant Berry

It came as no surprise to learn that Susie Berry had been crowned senior rider of the year. A veteran of six under-age championships, Northampton-based Susie made her senior world championship debut at Pratoni, where in spectacular fashion, she helped Ireland clinch the vital Olympic qualification.

Over the course of the season, she enjoyed a run of top results at four-star level, as well as delivering a brilliant clear round on her first attempt at Badminton.

Susie had travelled over from England with her enthusiastic owners Nick and Helen Caton, and having accepted her award from Gillian Kyle, she commented: “I had an incredible year. To just be in Pratoni and compete alongside such serious jockeys that I’ve looked up to for years was amazing, never mind getting the qualification.”

The Irish Field’s Leo Powell took to the podium to next present Emma Hickey on behalf of the team at Millstreet, with the coveted ‘best international event’ accolade. The Co Cork venue staged two exceptional and professionally run events last season, and this coming year will host the Irish leg of the FEI Nations Cup series.

Vina Buller (l-r) receives an Eventing Ireland Board Award from Niki Potterton at the 2023 David Foster Injured Riders Fund Ball which took place at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath \ Tadhg Ryan Bit-Media.com

Outstanding Service award

The Eventing Ireland Board award, which was aptly presented by the new Eventing Ireland chairman Nikki Potterton, was presented to Vina Buller for her outstanding service to eventing. A world class rider, and latterly involved in every aspect of the sport, Vina has worked tirelessly - generously sharing her expertise.

Vina also accepted the national event award which went to Castle Irvine. Much applauded, the event returned to the calendar after a lapse of 12 years and this season is charged with holding the annual national championships.

Flying the amateur flag to receive his award was the popular Denis Coakley, while the multi-medal-winning under age riders were also rewarded on the night. Just one of the many achievers, Jenny Kuehnle received the young rider prize from Charlie Lyttle while further underage riders to be recognised, were top junior Godfrey Gibbons, and pony medallist Ben Connors.

Editor of The Irish Field, Leo Powell, presents Emma Hickey (Millstreet International Horse Trials) with the best Irish International Event Award at the 2023 David Foster Injured Riders Fund Ball \ Tadhg Ryan Bit-Media.com

Denis Coakley receives the Amateur Rider award from Sally Parkyn at the 2023 David Foster Injured Riders Fund Ball which took place at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath \ Tadhg Ryan Bit-Media.com

(L-r): European Pony Team Gold Medallists Eliza Jane Queally, Josh Williamson, Matthew Love, Michael Phillips (GAIN Equine Nutrition), Tom Nestor, Claire O'Ryan and Ben Connors at the 2023 David Foster Injured Riders Fund Ball \ Tadhg Ryan Bit-Media.com