IRELAND’s sole representative at the penultimate CCI5* of the year in Maryland, USA, this weekend is Austin O’Connor, who was first into the dressage arena on Thursday with the Irish-bred Colorado Blue (Jaguar Mail x Rock Kind), bred by Kate Jarvey.

The 14-year-old grey gelding, who was third at Badminton in May, was in sixth place at the end of play on the opening day after scoring 33.7. The Irish Sport Horse Brookfield Cavalier Cruise (Cavalier Carnival x Atlantic Cruise), bred by Martin Ryan, led the way on his five-star debut after day one. Ridden by Britain’s Piggy March, the 10-year-old gelding scored 24.2 to lead by over four marks from New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and Artist (28.4).

“I’m super proud of him – he’s a beautiful horse,” commented March after her test. “The exciting thing is he’s a big horse – 17.2hh – and still a bit of an empty frame. There’s so much more to come and develop with him. He tried his best and did a clear round.”

As we went to press, day two of dressage was getting underway at the venue. Today’s (Saturday’s) cross-country test is built by Ian Stark and Austin O’Connor will be the pathfinder.

Pau bound

Pau (October 26th-29th) is the last five-star event of the year and competition will be strong. The 62 combinations on the start list include the FEI world rankings top four eventing riders – Oliver Townend (GBR), Ros Canter (GBR), Boyd Martin (USA) and Tim Price (NZL). New Zealand’s Jonelle Price, who won last year with Grappa Nera, has two mounts in this year’s event, Hairdo and McLaren; meanwhile there are 23 British entries.

Ireland will have five representatives at Pau: Daragh Byrne with Kilcannon Ramiro; Ian Cassells with Master Point; Sarah Ennis with Grantstown Jackson; Joseph Murphy with Barichello and Felicity Ward with Regal Bounty. Sian Coleman with Hush A Bye Baby was also due to compete, but has withdrawn.

Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro recently placed fourth in the CCI4*L at Ballindenisk, and won the same class in 2022.

Ian Cassells and Master Point completed the tough Blenheim CCI4*L (finishing in 27th) and will be making their first five-star appearance.

Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson placed 14th at the European Championship at Le Pin Au Haras and were third in the CCI4*S at the recent Ballindenisk International.

Joseph Murphy will have his first run after the injury that he received at Ballindenisk International. Joseph and Barrichello have had two wins in Ireland since June.

Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty will take on their second CCI5* of the year at Pau, having finished in 15th place at Luhmühlen in June.