THERE can’t have been anyone who left Tullymurry last Saturday more surprised and delighted than Holly McGahan who recorded just her second Eventing Ireland success in the 15-runner EI90 class.

“When I went and checked the dressage scores and saw that I was lying fourth, I couldn’t believe it!” said the Mayobridge mother of two who went on to complete on her Martina Kinley-awarded mark of 29.5 penalties with Mr Grey, a four-year-old gelding by the Irish Draught stallion, King Of Mourne.

Bred in Co Antrim by George Sinnerton out of the Sheyenne Clover mare Dechomet Golden Clover, Mr Grey was competing in his second EI event on Saturday having made his debut at Killossery Lodge (2). Earlier in the season, he finished third in his young event horse class at Balmoral.

McGahan has also enjoyed a lot of success with Mr Grey in working hunter classes, most recently finishing reserve champion at Newry Agricultural Show, while, following his Tullymurry exertions, he was reserve champion working hunter on Sunday at Greenacres where he was also reserve ridden hunter champion.

Mr Grey is one of five eventers McGahan has at her Carryon Stables where she is also training a couple of point-to-pointers/track horses. She does her hill work at home and hacks around to the Oakwood Equestrian Centre and livery yard established by her mother, Wendy McCrea, 32 years ago.

“I started riding there when I was two and my mother still teaches me!” said McGahan who partnered seven point-to-point winners. “We have an indoor there, an outdoor arena and a cross-country course with about 80 fences for all levels. I get extra flatwork lessons from Karen Dixon and Yvette Truesdale and am also coached by Trevor and Steven Smith as I help them breaking their young horses.”

While Trevor’s many skills include shoeing, McGahan has a farrier even closer to hand in husband Mark who also looks after the yard when she is away.