PETER Fell reported to The Irish Fieldthis week that his team are all set to go for next week’s international event at Ballindenisk and that conditions are “perfect”.
The annual fixture, which as always marks the close of the international season in Ireland, has attracted a bumper entry of around 270 runners, many of whom are making their way from the UK.
Among these are British international riders Kirsty Chabert, Ben Way and Bella Innes Ker, while batting for the home side are former Olympians, Clare Abbott, Joseph Murphy and Sam Watson, as well as fellow senior internationals, Ian Cassells, Sian Coleman, Declan Cullen, Robbie Kearns, Steven Smith and Patrick Whelan.
There always seem to be new improvements at the venue, and the latest, which was unveiled at the dressage championships two weeks ago, is a new all-weather warm up arena. Measuring a massive 80m by 40m, it is sited diagonally from the main jumping arena and is sure to prove to be a big asset to what is already a super facility.
“It will mean that we will be able to run three dressage arenas simultaneously, as well as also having the 10-minute warm up area included,” explained Fell. “This opens up new possibilities for the show jumping as well, but final decisions are yet to be made.”
Out on the cross-country tracks, riders will notice several changes, especially in the two four-star classes. Both the start and finish will be slightly different, while among the new fences to feature will be a corner that Fell declares is “the biggest I have ever built. There will be an alternative, but overall, both classes will be up to height as is fitting for the end of season. We have wonderful grass cover and conditions are perfect.”
He also added that riders will have the use of a new hacking facility, which runs for about 1.5km through the forestry.
Well-filled classes
Looking at the list of entries, it is good to note that the two NutriScience-supported four-star features are well-filled. The field in both classes is exceptionally open, but in the long format, it is good to see Declan Cullen holding an entry with Seavaghan Ash.
Having put up a good performance at Burghley two weeks ago, although unfortunately not completing, it would be a fitting end to the year, if this pair rounded off their season with a win. Michael Ryan also looks to be in with a shout with Claragh Mountain, but the big danger will possibly be from British visitor, Ben Way.
The Warwickshire man teams up with his Irish-bred Nations Cup horse, Gun Law, while compatriot Alison Lidstone is also well-mounted with another Irish export, Midnight Rollercoaster.
With over 20 anticipated runners, the short format is even harder to call, but among the favourites could be the new national champions, Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty. Back on track following a layoff, the pair look ripe for another big win, as does Sam Watson with his Millstreet long format victor, Ballyneety Rocketman.
Double-handed with her home-bred horses, British visitor Kirsty Chabert has racked up a fantastic record of wins on Irish soil, while having landed a very smart placing at Cornbury last weekend, compatriot Louise Bradley should be very competitive with Poynstown Braeve.
The schedule of classes continues throughout the weekend, with long and short format sectors of three- and two-star levels, as well as the CCIP2* and CCI* Intro.
Finally, and benefitting from an increased prize fund, the Michael Leonard memorial class for five- and six-year-olds sports a massive entry of 39. A coveted class to win, there are many in with a chance, but among the possible favourites could be the Lisgarvan CCIYH2* winners, Robbie Kearns with Belline Thistle Bethlastime.
Others with good form include Clare Abbott with Cortynan and Sam Watson riding his DAFM Tattersalls six-year-old winner, Ballyboger Goldman.