AS the weather created havoc in the east of the country, both the organisers and riders at Hillcrest in Co Limerick will have considered themselves lucky to have been able to run last Sunday. Despite heavy rain during the week, and indeed deluges on the day, Rodney O’Donnell’s versatile venue held up well to the elements.

The all-weather arenas for the show jumping, were an obvious bonus, and while riders described the going as perfectly acceptable, they were appreciative of the footings added to take off and landing areas of each fence in the country.