LANDING a seasonal hat trick to remain unbeaten, Cooley Farm’s rider Amanda Goldsbury and the smart 110m level debutante Coolnorran Cooley were the convincing winners of a 30-strong EI110. The pair are in unstoppable form, and having earned a score of 19.8 from judge Dervla Diamond, they added just 2.4 time penalties in the country. Chasing all the way, but hampered by the fall of a coloured rail, Ian Cassells filled second with the speedier Gorsehill Miracle, from Sarah Wardell aboard her improving thoroughbred Whydah.
A six-year-old, by I’m Special de Muze, the winning Coolnorran Cooley was sourced from Mary Keogh two years ago and, bred by Mark Hession, he is out of Coolnorran Liberty (Waldo Van Dungeon) going back to the thoroughbred Kings Ride.
“He’s an extraordinary horse,” commented owner Richard Sheane. “He’s one I plan to keep, and will definitely aim for Le Lion d’Angers at the end of the year.” A useful jumper as well as an event horse, he will have competed in the six-year-old class at Balmoral earlier this week, and will make his international event debut at Millstreet in three weeks’ time.
As the runner-up, the Anne Bannon-bred Gorsehill Miracle was the sole starter to come home within the time across the country. A son of Hermes de Reve, he has enjoyed a consistent start to the season and already with three top ten placings he looks ripe for a win.
In third spot, Sarah Wardell was especially delighted with her thoroughbred Whydah. A former charge of Jessie Harrington’s yard, the nine-year-old ran on the flat as well as over fences before changing disciplines 18 months ago.
“He’s taken time,” said Wardell. “The show jumping hasn’t been easy for him as he can get frightened. I’ve been having help from Lucy Allen, and was really pleased with his clear round here. He kept his balance – and remembered to breathe – which sometimes he doesn’t! He’s still a work in progress, so I will stay on the national circuit for the time being.”
There were plenty show jumping penalties but interestingly the straightforward cross-country delivered none. The the final order fell largely in line with the dressage, and clear in both sectors, although just a whisker over the time, fourth place went to Joseph Murphy (Dstud Flirtation) leaving Adam Haugh and FJK Back To The Future filling fifth.