ONE of only two Irish wins over the weekend was supplied by Patrick Whelan and the striking dun gelding, Grantstown Dun and Dusted when they won the MonoShield Equine CCI1*Intro.

Whelan took over the ride this year from owner Sharon Power and were fourth at the same level last month at Kilguilkey House. Speaking after his win, Whelan had nothing but praise for the horse: “He’s a really cool horse and he couldn’t have gone any better in all three phases.”

The six-year-old was bred by Caroline Widger, breeder of Granstown Jackson who heads to Burghley next week, and has been produced from EI90s this season. “I’m not sure where he will head next as this was the target for the season, but we’ve really enjoyed the event.

I can’t say enough positive things about Lisgarvan, they’re going from strength to strength and I’m already looking forward to coming back next year.”

Whelan also finished in fourth place on MBF Galavanto, adding just 1.2 time penalties to their dressage score of 33.3.

Alex Byrne and Major Cross finished a very close second on 31.9. The now 19-year-old gelding, owned by Debbie Byrne, was EI100 (J) National Champion in 2022 and finished fifth in the CCI1*Intro class at Ballindenisk in the same year. Leaders after dressage were Estella Great Expectations and Jenna Morton on a score of 29.9, they added 6.4 penalties in the show jumping phase to complete in eventual fifth. Rounding out the podium was Katie Robinson and Ophelia Cruise, a seven-year-old mare who was having only her fifth run of the season. This combination have been on form this year and have been in the top four on their last four runs including a win at Tullymurry.