ACTION in the National classes at Balmoral International CSI2* began last Wednesday with the 1.20m - The Bluefrog five-year-old Championship, with 20 combinations going to post. The jump-off course proved inviting, with time being made up on the turn backs. The course started off with the first part of the double at four and then on to the vertical at 14. Riders could then make up time on the left turn back to fence six. The course ended with the double at fence eight and then left to the last two remaining fences.

Claiming victory was Olivia Roulston and Drumrankin Ebony, when they were fastest of seven double clears in a time of 42.84 seconds. Owned and bred by Vincent Burton, the mare is by Concorde and out of the Marcuzzi-sired dam, Drumrankin Ruby. Roulston was chased home by Niamh O’Connor Barry, who finished fractions behind with Grennanstown Silver Service in a time of 43.01. Slotting into third place was Ricardo Cunha and SDF Five Star after they stopped the clock in a time of 44.01. A clear from Ronald Morton and Blueoak Parker in a time of 44.52 saw them slot into fourth place.