ON Friday, while show jumping fans are taking their seats in the Main Arena for the 3.00pm start of the Longines FEI Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy, cob enthusiasts will be battling for viewing space around Ring 1.

The first class to come before judges Louise Daly (ride) and Jenny Banks (conformation) will be for lightweights and here Brian Murphy returns with last year’s winner, Amanda Benson’s Goodnight Master.

This now five-year-old finished third to the Jennifer Kennedy-owned and ridden Moneycross in their class at Balmoral but is bang on form having claimed the cob championship at the Tattersalls July Show.

One can expect the usual strong challenge from north of Ireland exhibitors for the three cobs classes where Murphy has also entered Kilkenny Marble and Hollyrock Cooper Jack in the heavyweight division.

However, most neutral observers will be waiting for the maxi class where the Co Kilkenny rider/producer is set to appear on the multiple and reigning champion, GHH Peaky Blinder, the grey owned by Pat Loughlin and his sister Pearl O’Rourke.

This year, the 11-year-old Irish Draught gelding by Rockrimmon Silver Diamond finished reserve to the 2017 WRS Elvis gelding Moneycross at Balmoral and filled the same position behind the Nicola Perrin-owned, ridden and bred mare Ballarin Rose Bud in the ridden horse champion of champions final at Barnadown last month.