SANDWICHED neatly in between the international showcases at Tattersalls and Kilguilkey, last weekend’s national fixture at Ballindenisk attracted a full quota of runners across its card of 12 classes. The unseasonable weather, had delivered the ground in perfect condition, and the tracks, variously designed by Peter Fell, Dereck Hamilton and the newly accredited Ray Doyle proved straightforward, yet flowed well and gave horses every opportunity to gallop.
The cross-country action took place at the lower end of the farm, which allowed the dressage arenas on the opposite side to run continuously later into the day. The 11.30am dressage kick off for the EI90 classes was a popular move, as was the prompt 12 noon cross-country start. Rattling through the card, and with only one faller, the final runner was home and hosed before six.
“It was a very good day overall,” reflected Fell. “Dereck, who designed the EI115 and Ray (EI110) did an excellent job, and the tracks flowed well.”
EI115 (O) and EI115
The winning machine that is Cathal Daniels racked up a further two victories, after dominating both the EI115 features. Following on from his two high profile international wins at Tattersalls and Bramham, Daniels opened his account by piloting Michael McNally’s Eclipto to win the open sector from the front.
A slightly old-fashioned type of an event horse and quite a departure from the sharper sorts Daniels usually rides, the son of Cavalier Carnival delivered an unbeatable dressage mark of 22.7 progressing to better his nearest rival by over eight marks. Only a eight-year-old, Eclipto will be aimed at the Kilguilkey CCCI4*S next weekend, and although McNally should have returned from injury by then, Daniels will be the pilot.
The cross-country proved straightforward for these experienced performers, and none more so than for Joseph Murphy’s favourite veteran Sportsfield Othello (30.0) who filled second spot from Ali Holden aboard O My Balladeer (30.2).
Daniels did not have things quite his own way in the subsequent restricted class, but riding the Contendro-sired Harieko DHI he was promoted from an initial fourth placing.
The show jumping proved hugely influential and among several to err were dressage leaders Antonia Ward (Christopher Robin) as well as Ella Boyle with Grafenstolz Distinction. When the maths were done however, and with just one rail on the floor, Boyle settled for second spot ahead of Jamie Nolan (Corraghoe Charmer).
EI110 (O)
Having taken a leave of absence from the Bar after a stint of eight years, barrister, coach and rider Gerald Bloomer posted his first win of 2019 in the open EI110. So far this year the Co Wicklow man has been kept busy in his capacity as junior dressage coach, but he has also found time to forge an exciting new partnership with Caroline Bjoerk’s home-bred DLS The Entertainer. Formerly ridden by Esib Power, and one of the ‘talking horses’ of 2017, the eight-year-old by Omar has not competed since Le Lion d’Angers last year. “He joined me about two months ago,” said Bloomer. “He felt in great form, and it’s a privilege to ride him. It’s early days, but I’m looking forward to running in a three-star in due course, certainly at Millstreet if not before.”
The four starters completed in dressage order, with Sarah Dowley holding the runner-up spot aboard Shannondale Dita from French rider Corentin Gautier riding the former Young Rider team horse Perusing.
EI110 classes
In comparison, the two EI110 sectors were highly competitive affairs with 23 runners apiece. The first went to Brian Morrison, whose winning ride Global Imminus W has been turning heads all season. An EI100 winner at Kilguilkey last month, the six-year-old KWPN registered gelding had shared seventh place on the flat, but as Tony Hurley’s show jumping tracks wielded their influence, the order changed dramatically. The top six all clocked up errors, to leave Morrison ahead of the pack, from Joseph Murphy with his new ride ALS Russian Rolex, and Daragh Byrne (RNH O’Reilly). Formerly campaigned in England by Millie Dumas, and bought by Global Eventing at the start of the year, the winner could be a strong candidate for his age class at Camphire next month.
Ella Boyle, who earlier in the week received her Young Rider team call up, was the runaway winner of the second division. Riding the smart mare WKD Cooley, Boyle impressed Una O’Donnell on the flat to earn a super mark of just 20.0, and retaining that, she completed nearly 10 marks ahead of Clyda victor Ciara Power (ESI Bethany Bay) and Cathal Daniels (Boleybawn Freedom). As her name suggests, the nine-year-old daughter of Contador was sourced from Richard Sheane and, a former show jumper she was bred by Joanne Sloan. Although not affecting the leaders, the cross-country produced just two isolated refusals, while unusually a further two runners were eliminated in the show jumping.