BALMORAL International is certainly proving to be a happy hunting ground for the Co Durham rider Annabel Shields as she recorded her second consecutive Grand Prix win at the two-star show. Riding 14-year-old gelding Wet Wet Wet, the 24-year-old took home the winner’s share of the £22,300 share in the Barclay Communications and Bottle Green-sponsored class.

Speaking afterwards, a delighted Shields said: “It was great to have back-to-back wins at Balmoral. That was my aim when coming here and I am delighted it worked out. I only jumped him once this week as I was aiming him at the Grand Prix. I knew it was going to be a super fast jump-off but he is quick and careful so I knew that I could take the turns with him. I have been riding him for the last 18 months and we have really gelled. He is one in a million.”

Wet Wet Wet (KWPN) is by Mr Blue out of the Royal Feu-sired mare Golden Du Marai. This combination started the season well with a series of good results at Kronenberg CSI2* and prior to this, they were also in the ribbons at Lier CSI2*.

Jason Abbs designed a fair track for the 29 starters. In the first round, the treble which consisted of a oxer, vertical, oxer, caught a few combinations out. Despite being a strong course, it was second to go Darragh Ryan and Aerosmith who delivered the first clear and seven others on zero faults proceeded to the timed-round.

Second to go against the clock, Edward Doyle wasted no time with the 12-year-old stallion Derryinver Luxury Cruise and despite losing a shoe at the first fence, the combination negotiated a series of tight turns.

A tight turn however to the last cost them dearly as the pole fell to the floor, but four faults in 48.18 meant a sixth place finish for the Kildare rider. Stacy Babes’ careful riding aboard Camillo VDL paid off as she recorded the first double clear in 52.79 for eventual fifth. Robert Bevis clearly had his eye on the win and a sharp turn from the vertical at nine back to the oxer saw him record a clear in 47.18 seconds.

Next up, riding Mystic Hurricane, Keith Shore knew what was required to take the lead. Another tight turn from nine to 10 saw him up on target and a strong gallop to the last saw him reduce the target to 46.53.

All eyes were on second last to go, Sophie Dalm riding Remake Lande. Dalm, who had a successful trip in Vejer de la Frontera, was keen to make her mark on home soil.

Setting off in a calculated pace and negotiating a good turn from nine to 10 kept her on course. A good turn back to the penultimate and then to the final oxer saw her reduce the target to 45.39.

Last to go, Annabel Shields had a difficult task ahead, but with the big striding Wet Wet Wet, she negotiated all the tight lines and managed to come home in 43.26 to take the win and demote Dalm into second. Keith Shore took third and Robert Bevis slotted into fourth place.

WINNING ROUND

On Wednesday, victory in the 1.35m Finlay Equi-Trek went to Patricia Stewart Greer when she lodged the winning round aboard Jones VD Bisschop when clear in 52.01 seconds.

Taking second was Simon Scott and Jasmine Tide who was 0.7 seconds behind in 52.08. Michael Cave and Mirdads Allamou Lilah also carried four faults in 47.37 for third, ahead of Paul Caves and Quinten, four faults in 47.51. Suzanne Posnett and Queen of Clubs took fifth when they crossed the line with four faults (49.29), ahead of Hannah Patterson and Daberlina M (49.83).

Greg Broderick kicked-started his good week when he partnered Daify to a win in the Clive Richardson Ltd International Two-Phase when fastest of the seven double clears in 37.56. Broderick was chased home by Adrienne Dixon and Zuidam in 38.21.

Jake Hunter took third when he clocked 40.60 with Robinstown Lux Lovely, while Philip McGuane and Entertainer V took fourth when they stopped the clock in 42 flat. In fifth place was James Smith and Bolton Gate Ben who clocked 42.11, while Darryl Walker completed the line-up when he partnered CCS Ottomatic 1 into sixth when clear in 43.20.

Greg Broderick added to his tally when he took the win in the International Stakes. Riding Charmeur, he was the fastest of just six double clears in 44.91 seconds. Vanessa Mannix was almost two seconds behind in 46.63 with Dooleys Delux for second. Little separated the next placings as Annabel Shields galloped home with Wet Wet Wet in a time of 46.73 for third place.

Fractions behind was Douglas Duffin and Quidam in 46.79. Occupying fifth place was Clem McMahon and Paparazzi in 47.79. Sixth place belonged to Philip McGuane and Judas Vd Donkhoeve was last of the double clears in 49.50.

WIN FOR DOYLE

Irish riders took the top three places in the Connolly’s Red Mills International Spectacular. In total 31 combinations went to post and off these, 10 advanced to the jump-off round.

Taking the win when fastest of three double clears was Edward Doyle and Derryinver Luxury Cruise in 41.74.

Five seconds behind Doyle was the winners of the Connolly’s Red Mills Spring Tour, Sven Hadley and Sumas Taloubet in 46.74. In third place was Sophie Dalm and Remake Lande in 47.61.

Jonathan Dixon was fastest of the four-faulters with Continio in 44.10, ahead of Laura Robinson and Lombelle in 47.15. Greg Broderick had two on the ground with Daify, but a fast time of 44.06 saw him take sixth place.

Victory in the Rydale International Speed and Power when to Australian Jake Hunter. Based with Vinnie Duffy, Hunter partnered Sandra Duffy’s Robinstown Lux Lovely to a clear in 44.04 to claim the winner’s share of the £4,000 on offer. In second place was James Smith and Bolton Gate Ben, clear in 44.91, ahead of Darryl Walker and Cushions in 46.36.

Philip McGuane and Entertainer V returned to take another share of the spoils when they lodged a clear in 46.54 for eventual fourth. In fifth place was Annabelle Heffron and Porscha, clear in 47.19, ahead of Kenneth Graham and Lyrical in 48.25.

Following a great performance over the course of the show, Greg Broderick was named the leading speed and international rider, while Jake Hunter was named as leading young athlete of the show.