INTERNATIONAL action at Millstreet CSI2* began last Thursday, with large numbers recorded in the opening rounds.

The day began with Paul Beecher and Danqu taking the win in the opening international 1.20m, when they delivered a double clear in 23.56. Owned and bred by Paul’s wife, Seryna Van Keulen, the 16-year-old gelding is by Ustinov x Orame. A familiar face in the line-up at Millstreet, Sven Hadley took second place with HSH Harper Du Seigneur, when they came home clear in 24.59.

Third place was filled by Denise Hopkins and Md Sandyhill Princess Mia, clear in 24.81, ahead of Robert Harrison and CES Wicked Contender, clear in 25.18. Harrison Blair and Killadeas took fifth when they kept the poles in place in a time of 25.67, while in sixth was Cian Harrison and Florida Springs, clear in 25.89.

Sven Hadley went one better in the following 1.40m class, when he claimed the win. Riding Phenomene Bleu Vdm, the Galway rider was fastest of 23 clears in a time of 60.40. Owned by Hadley Sport Horses, the stallion is a nine-year-old by Diamant de Semilly x Nabab de Reve. Shane Goggins put in a gallant attempt with Boleybawn Cayman, coming home in 60.71 for second.

Francis Derwin and Destina Du Mesnil Z took third place, when they crossed the line in 61.29, ahead of Stephen Gibbons and Cassius Z in a time of 62.25. Fifth place belonged to Coen Williams and Conthanja in a time of 62.88, ahead of Francis Connors and Rnh Valentino, clear in 63.28.

On Friday, Aidan Killeen and Helianthus H claimed victory in the 1.30m class, when they came home with nothing to add in a time of 55.43. Owned by Trefoil Farm and bred by J Haanen, the 12-year-old mare is by Quality Time TN x Ovidius. Sven Hadley added to his tally, when he partnered Uidam to a clear in 56.02. Slotting into third place was Lee Carey and Kan Cruise, clear in 57.38, ahead of Anthony O’Regan and Helsinki 8, who also maintained a clean sheet, albeit in a time of 58.30. Rhys Williams and Gortacar Suspicious Minds 005 took fifth, when clear in 59.32, while in sixth was Jenny Dunlop and Questro Z, clear in 59.36.

1.45m

A total of 61 combinations lined out for Friday’s 1.45m class and taking the win was Jordan Coyle and King Kannan GP, when clear in 37.20. This nine-year-old gelding is owned by Elan Farm and is by Kannan x Warrant. From the original starters, 17 booked their place against the clock, where 10 double clears were delivered. James Brennan took the runner-up place with MHS I’m the One, when they crossed the line in 39.18. Francis Derwin and Destina Du Mesnil Z were back in the ribbons, taking third when they stopped the clock in 39.92.

Little separated the next placing as Timmy Brennan and Diadema Della Caccia clocked 40.06. Sven Hadley also returned to the line-up with Phenomene Bleu Vdm, clocking 40.07 for fifth place. Completing the line-up was Katie McEntee and Kinmar Bespoke in a time of 43.26.

1.25m

Sven Hadley recorded his second win of the show, this time claiming the 1.25m on Friday. Riding Uidam, he lodged a clear round in a time of 65.93.

Owned by Linda Slattery and bred by Padraig Howley, the 16-year-old mare is by Luidam x Cavalier Royale. Alan O’Regan and La-Joya had one down, finishing in a time of 73.76 for second. Sven Hadley also accounted for third place with HSH Harper Du Seigneur, adding four faults to his time and finishing in 73.96.

Harrison Blair and Killadeas’ time of 74.16 saw them take fourth place. Isabelle Boland and MBF Maxwill were fifth (74.58) ahead of Robert Harrison and Fausto (74.80) in sixth place.