CLOCKING up his fourth international win at the Co Cork venue, Kevin McNab was the pillar to post leader in the competitive CCI2*-L. Riding the Irish-bred Sumas Tina Turner, McNab impressed Ground Jury members James Rooney (IRE) and Eric Lieby (FR) to earn a score of 28.6, and as one of five fault-free performances, he was never headed. Chasing all the way and improving his position after the show jumping, Steven Smith filled a good second with Strangford, followed by Kiwi rider Tayla Mason (Rehy Showtime) in third place.

The winning mare is owned by Sofia Von Moltke and, bred by the Suma Stud, had been show jumped in Ireland under Borris-based rider Donnacha Dermody. Through Dermody, she was recommended to Von Moltke, who in turn sent her to McNab’s yard in Surrey. Now an eight-year-old, the daughter of Quantino competed in Le Lion D’Angers last year under McNab’s second jockey Isabel English, although the Australian has been back in the saddle this season. “Moving forward we needed some qualifications as a partnership,” he explained.