AMONG the coloured horses at the one-day event in Punchestown last weekend two stood out in particular, Greenfort Endeavour who won the O/CNC2* under owner Michael O’Toole and Glenhill Gold who returned to the sport in the hands of junior rider Katy O’Hare.

In commentator Chris Ryan, Glenhill Gold’s owner Declan Cullen found the ideal person to wax lyrical about the 18-year-old tri-coloured stallion who won the CCI3* at Ballindenisk in 2011 but is sadly underutilised by Irish breeders. By the thoroughbred Saracen Hill, ‘Tonto’ is also an advanced dressage horse but is bored by working on the flat which prompted his return to eventing.

GREATEST

“I might be biased, but I think Glenhill Gold is the greatest horse in Ireland!” stated Declan who, on Sunday, rode the O’Hare family’s Calgot Hero gelding Keonan Hero in the EI100 class. “Katy has the pony Glenkyle Beaver and is using Tonto as a transition horse while I put some mileage on to Keonan Hero. She really enjoyed her spin on Sunday and the horse loved being back in the sport.

“He definitely retains his enthusiasm for cross-country as Becky had to lead him into the start box he was so excited,” continued Declan. “After their clear round inside the time, Katy was smiling, her mother Marina was smiling, Becky and I were smiling and so was Tonto! The plan is for them to qualify for the EI100J class at the National Championships.”