IF you were looking for blazing sunshine, you would have been disappointed at Clyda last Sunday, when the dry but overcast conditions were described as “perfect for the horses and for the photographers”.

These were the words of Fiona O’Meara who, delighted to welcome the Munster Region of Eventing Ireland to the family’s Co Cork venue for the second time this year, wasn’t sorry when the last of the competitors left the farm.

“The event went great thankfully,” said O’Meara, “but I always find it a relief when it’s all over – it’s a worry when you have a big entry (210) and you just hope it all goes well, as it did. In fact, I couldn’t have wished for it to have gone better!”

A weekend clash with Rosanna in early June had resulted in a disappointing entry at Clyda (1), so the O’Mearas were well pleased that Saturday’s event on this occasion, Hazeldene Farm, was high up in Co Down.

“We were delighted to welcome back so many familiar faces – and some newcomers as well,” continued O’Meara. “Those who had been here in June were happy to see the changes made to the cross-country track, which took in a new loop after the owl hole at six. This was well received by those who had competed here before, as they were pleased that a change had been made and thought the course flowed better because of it.”

As usual, the cross-country fences at Clyda were built by David O’Meara, assisted by Danny Dulohery.

“Those with multiple rides were very cooperative on the day, but we also had some serious help and I would like to thank all the locals – the same ones who answer the call every time – for supporting us again on Sunday,” concluded Fiona.

The event was over by about 6pm, despite a 10-minute hold-up when Rosie Alcorn was unseated from Goodwins Whoopi at the oxer at nine in the EI115.

Eventing Ireland members should appreciate the fact that the two EI one-day events are the only competitions run on the O’Meara farm, where they have to be timed around the silage. “That’s it for the year now,” said the event secretary. “It’s onwards to 2025.”

There were just five starters in the EI115 (Open), which was won by Daniel Meagher on his father James’ Irish Sport Horse gelding A Classic Sportsfield, the only combination to complete on their dressage score (31.8 penalties). Gavin Smiddy, who was in pole position after the flatwork phase with DSH Showtime (29.8), saw his hold on the lead evaporate in the show jumping ring, where they picked up eight jumping penalties and 0.4 for time.

Meagher and A Classic Sportsfield, a 10-year-old Mermus R bay, are due to start in the EI120 national championship today at Kilguilkey House where, on just their fifth outing of the campaign, they will face a tougher task on what will be their third visit to the venue this season.

Dominic Furnell, who finished third in that EI115 (Open) with Ivanhoe (whose total of 39.6 included a small number of time penalties in both jumping phases), narrowly claimed the honours in the three-runner EI110 (Open) on his Dutch Warmblood gelding Horlepiep.

Furnell and the 12-year-old Saffier bay completed on their joint-winning dressage score of 31.5 as did the USA’s Corey Jarman on Cesario P while Ian Cassells placed third on Gorsehill Miracle (34.7) who finished just outside the time in the two jumping phases. Furnell got the nod with the higher positive dressage points.