HAVING returned to the sport in 2022 after an absence of eight years, former international Neilus O’Donoghue is enjoying a most successful comeback and most notably with the smart seven-year-old Penwhistle, who won the EI115 at Crecora.

Leading from the flag fall, the traditionally-bred mare by Island Commander was recording her third win from four runs, having filled second in her first EI 115 two weeks earlier.

Explaining his renewed love for the sport, O’Donoghue commented: “I missed the adrenalin of competing and, having bought some horses during the Covid pandemic, it brought it home to me and reenergised me.”

Always the true horseman, Co Waterford-based O’Donoghue has produced the horses slowly and correctly. He bought Penwhistle as an unbroken four-year-old from breeder Edward Ryan, and has quietly produced her through the grades.

“I always knew it would take time for her to progress to where I wanted her to be. This season, she was a lot more forward than I thought, so I then started to prep myself to be competitive. Our first EI115 at Ballindenisk was a big step up, but after it, I knew I had a serious horse,” he said.

At the moment, O’Donoghue is content to rack up his national qualifications, before moving onto the international stage.

Chasing all the way, Michael Ryan retained second spot with the clean jumping Tullibards Bennys Rainbow, from Keelin McCarthy, who was also clear aboard Romans Mr Kane.

The course in both jumping disciplines was a step up from the earlier edition, and was not without incident. Two of the 20 starters were eliminated for excessive show jumping penalties, while five walked home from the country.