HOUSEHOLD names from the world of eventing may have been light on the ground at last month’s international fixture at Kilguilkey, but there is certainly no shortage for round two next weekend. Much to the delight of organisers Danny and Michelle Dulohery, the forthcoming renewal of the Sema Lease International has attracted a world class field. Among the entrants are the number one ranked Tim Price, together with his wife Jonelle, and a full accompanying squad from New Zealand.

Further contingents from Brazil, Japan, USA and Great Britain also hold entries, while as a regular visitor to the venue, Australian Olympic medallist Kevin McNab travels with a strong team of horses. “It’s looking very good,” confirmed Dulohery.

“The entries have come in well, and we are delighted to have Richard Ames on board once again, both as title sponsor and also as host to the Sema Lease sponsors and owners’ tent which will be in place for the duration. As always, we are enormously grateful for his support, as well to all our new sponsors and the returning old ones.”

In quite a coup for the venue, last month’s four-star cross-country tracks were, for the first time, charted by top international designer Ian Stark. Unfortunately, Stark was unable to make the journey to see his work in action, so Dulohery is now pleased to confirm that the Scot will be attending next week. The tracks will remain largely the same and will run in the same direction, although a few tweaks and alterations have been made across the board.

“The place is all levelled, rolled and ready,” added Dulohery. “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone, and also to our hog roast and party, which this time will be held on Thursday evening.”

On to the competition proper, there are eight classes on offer, including a CCIP2*-L for ponies. All look to be well supported, and especially the feature long format editions, which, in recent times, have proved hard to fill. The four-star sector sports a notably increased list of runners from that of last month as at the time of writing, 21 high class combinations are due to line-up.

Home challenge

Posting the home challenge, Joseph Murphy and Patrick Byrne are both double handed, with Murphy in particular looking to have two interesting rides in his new season mount Barrichello and the sponsor Richard Ames’ Belline Fighting Spirit. The former Olympian has gelled well with the experienced Barrichello who, having won twice from his only three outings this season - albeit at a lower level - could be the dark horses of the class. Byrne meanwhile teams up with Boleybawn Maximus and Oughterard Diva, both of whom were placed in the short format equivalent at the venue last month.

Standing out among the most fancied of the overseas contenders could be Kiwi ace Jonelle Price. Carrying solid form, she looks well mounted with the German-bred Hiarado, as does fellow New Zealander Clarke Johnstone who rides Menlo Park. The latter pairing was in the top 20 at Aachen recently, while also looking to feature at the business end will be British senior squad member Sarah Bullimore with Corouet and Evita AP. The remaining partnerships likely to impress include Kevin McNab (Miss Pepperpot) and the Brazilian Ruy Fonseca (Ballypatrick SRS).

As expected, the short format classes are well filled, and once again it is McNab, this time with Scuderia 2018 My Best Friend, who looks the one to beat in the four-star division. Placed fourth in the five-star showcase at Pau in 2021, the gelding has been lightly competed this season, and looks ripe for a win. Never to be discounted, the world number one Tim Price rides the less experienced Jarillo, while an interesting combination to watch will be the American partnership of Cosby Green aboard Buck Davidson’s veteran five-star campaigner Copper Beach.

The sizeable Irish challenge is a serious one, spearheaded by senior international riders Michael Ryan (TF Kaygraaf and Barndown Cornhill), Sian Coleman (Global Mentor), Patrick Whelan (Tullibards Now or Never) and Sam Watson, who is entered with SAS Talisman and Ballyneety Rocketman.