INTERNATIONAL jumping got underway in Balmoral CSI2* last Wednesday with the opening Top Spec International Speed class. The British contingent got their campaign off to a good start as James Smith led the victory lap aboard Simply Splendid, when he crossed the line in 66.58 seconds.

Leading young rider of 2018, Jonathan Smith was back in the ribbons, less than two seconds behind with Charlton Clio in 68.31 for second place. Britain's Jonathan Dixon also kept all the poles in their cups with Fireball, in 68.36, for third. A familiar face in the winner’s enclosure at Balmoral, Keith Shore made his presence felt when he delivered a clear with Iron Lady Van T Meulenhot in 70.09 for fourth. Little separated the next two placings as they all came home within the 71-second mark. Emily Turkington was the faster of those with Legend in a time of 70.29, ahead of Jason Foley and Castlefield Cass, clear in 70.96.

Victory for Saywell

The second international class, The Holmestead Saddlery International Stakes saw another win for the UK as Louise Saywell lodged the winning round with Golden Arrow OL.

Chasing Greg Broderick, who was clear with LVS Wizard in 39.35, Saywell took a very tight line to the triple bar then back to the vertical, which she took at an angle, before heading back to double and then back to the last. The fast time of 38.49 saw her take the win and push Broderick into the runner-up spot.

In total, 39 combinations contested the class and eight booked their place against the clock. Going towards the end of the draw, Robert Harrison knew what was required with Landlystes Rubina and didn’t hang around as he lodged a clear in 41.29 for eventual third. Jonathan Smith was back in the line-up when he crossed the line aboard Mulvin Lui, with a clean sheet in 44.05 for eventual fourth.

Max Wachman (16) didn’t let the pressure get to him as he delivered the last of the double clears with Atlantic du Seigneur in a time of 45.85, for fifth. Clem McMahon had the late draw advantage with Pacato, but despite a quick time of 41.79, a pole on the ground proved good enough for eventual sixth.

Lennon on top

Last Thursday morning, Dermott Lennon took the win in the Connolly’s Red Mills International Spectacular. Riding Gelvins Touch, he was the fastest of six double clears in a time of 39.30. Owned by Victoria Loane, the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse was bred by John McCann and is by Touch Down out of the Diamond-Lad sired dam Whitestown Diamond. Since returning from Vejer de la Frontera CSI4*, Lennon has already made his mark on the national circuit, claiming the runner-up spot in the New Height Champion Series at Portmore with MJM (IOM) Holdings Limited.

Jessica Burke was just over a second behind with Express Trend when she delivered a clear in 40.47. Little separated the next placing as Eoin Gallagher and Flugel M galloped home in 40.64, for third.

Keith Shore returned to pick up another prize, when he answered all the questions with Lady Van T Meulenhot, in 41.07, for eventual fourth. Fifth place belonged to American Wells and Constable 11, when she came home with a clean sheet in 42.46, ahead of Jonathan Smith and Mulvin Lui, clear in 45.46.

A Happy Balmoral double for Barker

WINNER of the Clive Richardson LTD International Speed Challenge in 2018, Britain's Paul Barker returned to take honours in this class again, with Happy Boy in 65.92. Prior to Balmoral, Barker had a good outing at Chepstow CSI2* including a win, two second place finishes and a third place.

Galway's Sven Hadley lodged another good result when he partnered the reliable Sumas Taloubet into second place in 66.41.

Winner of an international class last year in Balmoral, Kerry Brennan added to the British tally when she took third with Wellington M, clocking 66.44. Fresh from his national Grand Prix win in Barnadown, Tholm Keane was back in the line-up (66.51) with Diarmuid Hurley’s Irish Sport Horse mare Future Storm, for eventual fourth.

Jonathan Smith took fifth with Charlton Clio (68). Fractions behind Smith was Emily Turkington and Legend, stopping the clock in 68.01.

Second win

Paul Barker recorded his second international win on Friday morning in the Aon Risk Services (NI) Ltd International aboard Accumulator aboard Happy Boy.

One of 11 combinations from the 30-strong startlist to finish on the maximum score of 65, he clocked the winning time of 49.85. James Smith and Simply Splendid were over a second behind in a time of 50.73 for second.

Going early in the class, Eoin Gallagher set the bar high with Flugel M in 50.73, for eventual third. Hadley was back in the line-up when he crossed the line with Sumas Taloubet in 51.14 for fourth place. Runner-up in this class with Duco last year, Rebecca McGoldrick also took a share of the prize fund, when she clocked 53.40 with Horatio Van Erpekom, for fifth.

American rider Kerry McCahill also remained within the 54-second mark when she finished on 53.69 with Cadensky for sixth place.