ON a day that belonged to the professionals, Cork’s Michael Ryan emerged on top of a competitive field in the EI110 at Ballindenisk on Sunday.

Riding the traditionally-bred The Diplomat, Ryan impressed on the flat to score 29.3, and capitalised to record one of just four double clear rounds. A former ride of Ryan’s wife Trish, the nine-year-old son of Nazar has taken time, as Michael explained.