AFTER winning the open, Nicola Ennis was also in the mix in the following EI110 (Restricted), but had to concede the top two placings to a busy Steven Smith.

Riding a total of four horses during the course of the day, Smith piloted Herbie Walker’s up and coming Newferry Aga Kann into pole position on 31.8, just 0.2 ahead of his second ride Greenhall Gold Dust. Although an eight-year-old, the winning son of Kannan is enjoying only his second season eventing, and stepped up to this level earlier last month.

In contrast, his stable mate Greenhall Gold Dust embarked on his eventing career last year, and was placed third in the young event horse class at the RDS. Bred by Derry Rothwell, the Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet-sired six-year-old is owned by Gail McNab and David Beatty and, as a versatile performer, has also clocked up nearly 30 SJI points.

Delivering the only remaining double clear round was Nicola Ennis, who slotted into third with James King’s consistent performer Corbally Mountain View. This Harlequin du Carel-sired gelding has a couple of future international options open to him, with Le Lion D’Angers being the possible end of season aim.

The placings for the remaining 13 runners were based largely upon time. Dressage leaders Clare Abbott and Kilcoltrim Cooley opted to take things easy and, as a result, slipped to 10th, while in a similarly challenging position Emma Egan (Marino) and Louise Bloomer (Shannondale Levi) were also clear but influentially slower.

Two riders clocked up isolated penalties in the country and, while the fences presented no problems for Jane McClean (McClean’s Dream Catcher), she will be kicking herself for omitting a fence out on track.