RECORDING a pillar to post win at their first attempt at the level, the Welsh-born pairing of Amy Parsons and the exciting Wellfields Casino Royale took the honours in a most competitive EI 110 restricted at Lisgarvan House last Sunday.

The six-year-old received the only sub-30 dressage mark (28.5) from Lynne Cassidy, and adding just 2.8 penalties across the country completed a fraction ahead of recent Tyrella winners John Tilley and Herkules 281.

A son of the Holstein sire Cassiro, out of a Hanoverian dam, the winning Wellfield Casino Royale was bred by Emma Humphries in Wales and sourced by Parson’s father as a two-year-old. He travelled to Ireland to be broken, and then returned to Wales for a break with co-owner and old friend Polly Stephens.

“Polly then persuaded me to take him on to produce, but I was very reticent at first because he is a big horse, and it did take me time to come to grips with him,” explained Parsons. “He was weak as a four-year-old, so last year was largely about building blocks and, having had help from Michael McNally over the winter, I now feel we can crack on.

“I know he’s something very special, and feel he’s a Badminton horse through and through. I also know that he is likely to be sold, but I hope we can keep him until the end of this season and perhaps aim for Le Lion d’Angers in October.”

This was a rewarding win for the hard-working Parsons, who together with her partner Anthony Fox, run the pre training and rehabilitation yard at Foxlea Stables in Co Meath. The couple work for Gordon Elliot in varying capacities, and also have their hands full with their two-year-old daughter Francesca.

High profile

It was good to note that another two high profile six-year-olds headed a 25-strong field in the EI100. Separated by just under two marks, first spot went to local producer Nicky Roncoroni aboard her mother Janey’s Rockalong, a gelding by Imperial Heights out of Hillview Beauty by French Buffet.

Bred by Malcolm Jennings, and bought from astute foal buyer Paul Douglas as a three-year-old, Rockalong completed last season when well placed in the Michael Leonard championship. An Irish resident for several years now, former British international Roncoroni is renowned for her correct production of these young horses and although she rarely chases the clock, she made the exception.

“He thrives on this ground, so I definitely went out to make the time and I’m delighted for mum he won” she commented. “It was a beautifully presented track with plenty to think about, but nothing too taxing.”

A move to upgrade to one-star is now on the cards for this smart youngster, who it also hoped will take in a few international events over the summer months.

As the winner of the aforementioned Michael Leonard young horse championship last year, the second-placed Shannondale Levi (Louise Bloomer) is another due to upgrade. Owned by the rider together with long-time supporter Jinnie Webb, he was a big winner on the young event horse circuits as a four and five-year-old and, by Shannondale Sarco is a full-brother to the feature class winner Shannondale Icarus.

All progressing to plan he will also have tilt for Le Lion d’Angers selection at the end of the year.

Another six-year-old to head the leaderboards was the EI 90 victor Cavaliers Cruiz ridden by Heidi Hamilton. Formerly produced by Alex Donohoe, the Thomas Norris bred mare is by Cruising Ambassador out of Cavaliers Maid by Ghareeb.