EI 110 class

HAVING opened the day by remarking on her moderate start to the season, Co Kilkenny veterinary surgeon Alison Holden turned things around by winning the EI 110 (O) aboard her own Lates Eddie. The big gelding by My O My has just failed to hit form this year, but with a tweak of bit and a downgrade to boost confidence, the pair bounced back in style. They scored their customary leading mark on the flat, and by following that with a foot-perfect jumping performance, headed Blathnaid Boyd (Mr OBOS Hullabaloo) and Brian Morrison (Global Mentor).

“Normal service is resumed,” laughed Alison afterwards. “I had hoped to be at three-star now, but so much was cancelled and then nothing seemed to go my way. He’s become a lot more powerful this year, so I have had to learn to harness that power. Today he felt good, and even though the corner was tricky to ride and came up quickly, he handled it well.”

In second place, and also double clear, Greystones’ student Blathnaid Boyd was equally upbeat about her eight-year-old Mr OBOS Hullabaloo, a gelding she has produced through the ranks since buying him at Goresbridge as a four-year-old. It was also good to see Brian Morrison back eventing, and in third spot with Marie Symington’s Global Mentor.

Win for Coolnorran Cooley

There have been many superlatives used to describe the EI 110 winner Coolnorran Cooley, who from his five starts under rules, remains unbeaten. Richard Sheane’s six-year-old has turned heads on every outing, and after Sunday’s performance rider Amanda Goldsbury commented: “He’s an extraordinary horse, a great competitor and certainly the most talented horse I’ve ever ridden. He’s very solid in all three paces which makes my job easy. He’s going to do great things in the future, and for me it’s a privilege to have started his career.” Le Lion D’Angers in October is a long way off, but connections have to be excited about this son of I’m Special de Muze who, sourced from Mary Keogh two years ago, was bred by Mark Hession.

Coming very close in second spot, Daniel Alderson was just one mark in arrears with Alana-Rose Steele’s Islandwood Quality Control, from Nicky Roncoroni aboard Paul Douglas’ smart Rock Island.