Sally Parkyn

CONOR Maguire and Derroon Wood narrowly pipped Ailbhe McGrath (Major Furisto) to win their second CNCJ* of the current campaign. Both combinations completed on their dressage scores, to head third-placed Sam Micklem riding the illustriously-bred Smart Spirit, who is a half-brother to Zara Phillips’ High Kingdom.

The European championship duo of Lucy Hancock and Newtown Westie returned to national competition to win a competitive CNCP**. Posting a dressage mark of 29.0, they recorded the sole double clear of the class, to move ahead of Zara Nelson (Millridge Buachaill Bui) and Stephanie Stammschroer (Morelands Affair). The remaining under age classes were very well supported. Mimi O’Grady (Rosog Rusty), daughter of trainer Edward, turned the tables on Lucy O’Donnell (Highbury Lad) to win the CNCP*, while Andrew O’Brien gained his first EI victory in the CNCJ*.

O’Brien rode the veteran Cloud to head the field, although he shared the same winning score (30.5) as second-placed Stephanie McGlynn and Check Mate.

The final class of the day, the EI 90 P was again decided in the dressage arena. In the end, Annalise Cullen’s (AC Remus) score of 31.0 remained intact, as she led Hazel McEnery and Bohey Albert (35.5).

The full quota of amateur classes was also well-filled. Fethard-based Emily Sayers and What That Sportfield collected their second win of the year in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa CNC* Amateur, while Zoe Kavanagh and the Market Square-sired Castlekirk landed the Old Ground Hotel EI 100 division.

Finally Sharon Power piloted her own four-year-old OBOS Impressive to win the EI 90 sector.

The latter, who claimed the RDS potential event horse title under Ciara Power (no relation), won from the front to head Katrina Clarke and Ballyshiel Bryan Boru.