THERE was a good-sized representation of Northern Region amateurs at the Eventing Ireland national championships at Kilguilkey House last weekend and, while some will not have pleasant memories of their trip, Nichola Wray went home as the Childeric Saddles Ireland EI110 (Amateur) champion.

Three of the six starters recorded sub-30-penalty dressage scores. Of these, Symone Brown and Merlot (29.5) were eliminated in the show jumping ring, as was one other combination, while the four others all erred. The flatwork winners on 27.6, Sharon Power and Tullibards Benny And Jess, picked up eight penalties and dropped to second behind Wray and Dylan AKA Springhill Showman, who only lowered one fence, bringing their tally up to 33.8. And that’s the score on which they finished, while Power and Tullibards Benny And Jess failed to beat the clock, but still finished second on 42.4.

A Primary 1 teacher with renowned baking skills, Wray is finished eventing for the season. “Dylan is due a good break,” said the owner/rider of her eight-year-old bay gelding by Lislap Benedict. “He was very busy in the second half of the season and successfully completed two 2* internationals this year, Lisgarvan and Millstreet, which was the biggest track we have ever done, but he took it all in his stride.

"He loves his jumping and will always give his best.

"He is a very kind, sensitive horse, who is frequently terrified of other horses, but will jump his heart out and take on anything asked.”