Rachel Dowley

THE Eurostar South East Region Classic attracted over 300 entries to Spruce Lodge near Red Cross in Co Wicklow, in one of the biggest dressage shows to run in Ireland so far this year.

“It was a super show, comparable in terms of standard and facilities to some of the top premier league shows abroad” said Anne Marie Dunphy who was cro?wned advanced champion on a score of 73.17% with Her Highness Willow.

“Full credit must go to the organisers and the commitment from the title sponsors Eurostar demonstrates the rising popularity and profile of dressage in Ireland,” she said.

After achieving a personal best score of 65.39% in Saturday’s Inter II with Salancio, a horse she has produced herself from a six-year-old, Marguerite McSweeney established an early lead in the big tour championship.

Despite finishing second to Sandra Blake-Farrell in Sunday’s Grand Prix, her average score of 64.10% was good enough to see her lift the title.

McSweeney commented: “There is always a risk associated with doing the Inter II the day before the Grand Prix, as the horse may become tired and confused, but this weekend the gamble paid off.

“Salancio is now developing more strength and confidence in his work and our immediate aim is the national championships in September.”

Lucy Adams made her long journey south worthwhile, taking a championship double along with the award for the highest scoring owner-rider.

Riding Get Set, she topped the leader board in both the Prix St Georges and the Inter I to win the small tour championship, finishing ahead of second-placed Ruth Hayes.

However Adams highest score came in the Top Spec freestyle championship, when British judge Rachael Hillier awarded her a massive 79%.

SPARKLING FORM

This show proved to be a confidence building run for Adams who said: “Get Set had been quite tired at Hickstead and had some issues in the arena.

“He really did sparkle this weekend and to achieve well over 70% on three occasions is especially pleasing.

“ I’m grateful to TopSpec, the sponsors of this competition as he can be very sharp, but with their advice I have finally been able to get the feeding balance right with him.”

Owen Byrne, representative of both Eurostar and Kieffer in Ireland, said.

“We are delighted with the Classic. Both the entries and the atmosphere were fantastic, as was the quality of the competition.”