Ballindenisk Sunday

THOSE who competed in Sunday’s torrential rain drew the short straw, but one happy rider was Alyssa O’Neill who landed the EI110 with her home-produced Waverley. O’Neill, who is the design and marketing executive for Horse Sport Ireland, sourced the daughter of Waveney from her breeder Brendan Deegan three years ago.

“I’m very excited by her,” said O’Neill. “She’s so easy and really loves the job.”

The Co Kildare pair, who are now heading for the hot six-year-old feature at Millstreet, led from the front to hold a comfortable advantage over second-placed Jason Doerflinger (Milchem Watermill), as well as Heidi Hamilton (Paulank Kiriki) in third.

Michael Ryan came close to a three-timer in the second sector, but having lowered a coloured pole with Across The Line, he relinquished the top spot to Patrick Whelan riding the former show jumper Altitu (by Orestus).

All 12 runners completed the cross country without trouble, so with the clock proving the deciding factor, Rodney O’Donnell filled second with Dartans Hillcrest, from Megan Telford Kelly and General Trend.