INTERNATIONAL jumping in Balmoral CSI2* came to an exciting close last Friday, with victory in Bottle Green and Horse Sport Ireland International Grand Prix going to English rider Morgan Kent. Kent, who is based in Wetherby, shares the business with her partner, Sligo showjumper Richard Howley.

Kent, who recently got engaged to Howley, said: “This is my first visit to Balmoral and we brought three horses with us. I was first to go, so I set a good pace as there was fast combinations to come. I got a good turn to the planks and I took a stride out to the last line, which allowed me make up the time.”

On the day, 38 combinations lined out to take on the Jason Abbs-designed course, and from those, four delivered clears first time out. In the first round, the 1.60m course asked a few questions, in particular, at the triple combination.

Riding Drumconnick Verdi, Kent was the only rider to stay within the 50-second mark – she clocked 49.13 seconds. Bred by Clive Pratt, Drumconnick Verdi is a nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse stallion by Verdi out of Abelt JE. Prior to Kent taking over the ride in January, the stallion was competed by Trevor Nicholson. In February this year, the combination were in the winnings at Vejer de la Frontera CSI3*, claiming third in a Table A, Under Richard Howley’s command, the stallion took a win at Vittel CSI3*.

Captain Geoff Curran opted on the side of caution with Hallowberry Cruz (TIH) (ISH) and it paid off as he delivered the only double clear of the Irish, in 50.21, for second. The 12-year-old Cruising-sired stallion is no stranger to Balmoral having won there twice before under the command of Alex Butler.

Canadian rider Rebecca McGoldrick and Fleur IV were last of the double clears, in a time of 52.36, for third.

This was an important result for McGoldrick as it was enough for her to take the title of leading International rider of the show.

Winner of the Holmestead Saddlery International Stakes, Kerry Brennan found herself back in the line-up. Riding Wellington M, she proved that the time could be beaten, but at a price, as she crossed the line carrying four faults in a time of 48.93 seconds, for eventual fourth.

American rider Adrienne Dixon was denied her place in the timed round, when she incurred one time fault (78.33).

The result however meant that she slotted into fifth. Graham Lovegrove was fastest of the four-faulters in a time 78.33 seconds, for sixth.

Jonathan Smith (20) was named Leading Young Rider of the show, after claiming 10th place in the Grand Prix with Mulvin Lui.