BALLINDENISK’S second international fixture of the year marks the near end of the Irish eventing season, but with blue skies and good ground underfoot, the mood was high all weekend. With seven international classes on the schedule, along with three national classes, it was a busy week for the entire Fell family. With a new courtyard of permanent stables housing the long-format classes, over 200 horses arrived in Watergrasshill, representing seven nations.

A special presentation was made to Dr Mary Flannery by the Fell family, celebrating her 50 years of service to the eventing community.

Speaking after the presentation, Mrs Fell commented, “Eventing really couldn’t happen without Mary. She has been the backbone of Irish eventing and we’d be lost without her.” Another special presentation during the week was the “Chris Corballis Perpetual Trophy”, which was awarded to Casey Webb for her positivity and can-do attitude.

TRM-sponsored awards for leading riders across three categories were awarded to Tom McEwen (Senior), Momo Sheehy (Under 21) and Lorna Murphy (Amateur).

NutriScience Equine CCI4*-L

Fresh from his success at Blenheim Palace International, Tom McEwen (GBR) piloted Penny Barker’s Class Romance (ISH) to the top of the CCI4*-L leaderboard after two excellent jumping performances. The gelding by Warrenstown You 2 was bred by Ronan Tynan and was previously campaigned by Eleanor Hope up to two-star. Earlier this season, McEwen and the 10-year-old finished in the top 20 in the CCI4*-S at Burgham International.

“It probably wasn’t our best dressage test we’ve ever done, but he was great in the jumping phases,” commented McEwen after his win.

“I haven’t been here in about 15 years and the new surfaces are amazing, the ground has been perfect all week and it’s just been a really great show!”

Tara Dixon (GBR) and another Irish-bred horse, Global Narco, claimed second place in the standings and were the quickest out on the cross country course, adding just 2.4 time penalties. Notably, Dixon’s other mount in the class, Master Smart (ISH), jumped the only clear round in the show jumping phase on Sunday morning.

Rounding out the podium was Tom Bird (GBR) with his own, Frances Bird and Helen Kerry’s Lenny (CZEWB). This combination withdrew from Blenheim Palace International a few weeks ago after an uncharacteristic dressage test and quickly rerouted to try to put things right. This was their third trip to Ireland this year, having finished third in the CCI3*-L at the same venue in April and 11th at the FEI Eventing World Championship U25 in Millstreet this summer.

Louisa Lockwood (GBR) and Jarson (KWPN) were at the top of the leaderboard after the first phase, with Joanne Jarden (IRL), Les Smith (GBR) and John Lyttle (IRL) awarding a score of 34.6 penalties. Unfortunately, an elimination on the Paul Brady-designed cross country course meant their competition came to an end.

The two Irish representatives in the class, Meghan Healy and Overis Cavalier (ISH), and Rosie Alcorn and Chrysanthos (AES), finished fourth and fifth respectively.