FOR Clarke Johnstone, wins are like buses, and having waited 18 months to land his first European international victory, he racked up his second in the space of two hours. This time he teamed up with the thoroughbred 10-year-old Domasco and repeating his earlier feat, was once again the sole runner to complete on his opening mark (25.5). This time it was an easier win however, and having headed into the show jumping with a fence in hand, he finished five marks ahead of Australian Kevin McNab (Pepper Jack) and nearly seven in front of British challenger Milie Juleff (Donateur).

A comparatively recent addition to Johnstone’s string, the British-bred Domasco moved up from New Zealand earlier this year. Another globetrotter, the son of Zoffrany was originally bought at the Tattersalls foal sales, before he was exported to the southern hemisphere. Unsuccessful on the track, he was then introduced to eventing by international rider Heelan Tomkins, and subsequently bought by Johnstone. “I used to ride for Heelan so I knew him well, and jumped at the chance to buy him,” said Johnstone. “This was a perfect run for him, and he’s now ready to upgrade.”

Unlike the winner, second-placed Kevin McNab is a regular visitor to Kilguilkey, and added to his impressive account when landing this result with the 11-year-old Pepper Jack (by the KWPN sire Peppermill). The duo had opened in a competitive fifth place on 29.3, and although they produced the second fastest round in the country and were clear show jumping, the winner always held the advantage. This was nevertheless a rewarding outcome for McNab and also for his British owner/breeder Beccy Stones of the Ridgeway Farm Stud. “He’s a funny horse, but always tries and is very consistent,” said the rider. “Each time I ride him, he improves and wants to get better. On this outing, he’s not far off a four-star run.”

In third place, young rider Millie Juleff has hit the ground running with her new ride Donateur. Having only bought the 15-year-old Dutch-bred gelding last month, Juleff was fault-free throughout, adding just 0.4 to her opening score. Indeed, and once again it was the show jumping that proved decisive and while Juleef benefitted others paid the penalty. Second-placed Tayla Mason (Joopiter) and Tim Price (Dromgurrihy Gold) were both demoted with a fence on the floor, leaving Patrick Whelan, who delivered a cracking clear round with Altitu to replace Price in fourth. The Wexford man had enjoyed a great run with Altitu (by Orestus), although he was a little disappointed with his four costly time faults in the country, he said afterwards, “We pulled a shoe, but we had a really good run, and looking back now I prefer to have a clear round on the final day, rather than a few time faults on Saturday.” Blenheim is now a possibility for the Seamus Carew-owned and bred eight-year-old who is likely to have an easy end to the year. “I’m keen to start him early next season, so that we can do a qualifying four-star long and perhaps throw our name in the hat for bigger things.”

While the show jumping was influential, the cross-country was less so. Although time penalties juggled the order, just five riders picked up isolated penalties and only one walked home.