For the first time, the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) Studbook Series for Eventing ran in a league format rather than standalone events. This allowed competitors choose any events throughout the season to gain points. The league ran from the 22nd of June to the 21st of September, and competitors could earn points at all national Eventing Ireland competitions during this time with the best four results counting towards the final league standings.
Throughout the league, Eventing Ireland posted the league standings under the Stats Centre section of their website. In the seven-year-old league, participation was rewarded for Patrick Byrne taking the win on board Belline Castle ONR Candy (ISH) on 21 points from 4 outings. Runner up was the KWPN gelding, Noa W ridden by Ian Cassells on 20 points with third going to Noel Dunne with Kief Rhapsody of Belline (ISH). All three of these horses will in attendance at the WBFSH World Breeding Championships for Eventing in Le Lion d’Angers starting the 16th October.
Copyright photo: Pam Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times
The six-year-old section was topped by Ciara Power on board Stonehavens Dreaming (ISH) on 53 points. She was followed closely by young rider Caitlin Woods with Greygrove Delight (ISH) on 50 points. The ever-consistent Stephen Smith finished in third place with Annaghmore Cornoko (ISH) on 44 points, earning points at each outing.
Copyright photo: Pam Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times
The five-year-old league was extremely tight with the top three having only two runs each throughout the league, winning points at both. Robbie Kearns came out on top with a total of 25 points riding Belline Kasparov (ISH), second place went to the Warmblood Studbook of Ireland Lollypop PH, ridden by Isla Coad on 23 points. The podium was complete with Luca Bortolamei riding Fernhill Pop Ice (ISH) on 20 points.
Copyright photo: Pam Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times
Breeding:
Belline Castle ONR Candy (ISH). 2018 gelding by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Castle Roller Coaster (ISH), by High Roller (ISH). Bred by Noel Ruane, Co. Sligo.
Kief Rhapsody of Belline (ISH): 2018 gelding by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Lissangle Lux The Business (ISH) by Lux Z (HANN). Bred by Kieran Fahey, Co. Cork.
Noa W (KWPN). 2018 gelding by Baltic VDL (KWPN) out of Gucretia (KWPN), by Indoctro (HOLST). Bred by G. Wierts, Netherlands.
Stonehavens Dreaming (ISH). 2019 gelding by Querlybet Hero (SBS) out of Ballinamonapark Jody (ISH), by Jack Of Diamonds (SWB). Bred by Vahe Bogossian, Co. Waterford.
Greygrove Delight (ISH). 2019 gelding by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan (BWP) out of Great Delight (ISH), by Loughehoe Guy (ISH). Bred by Thoms Ryan, Co. Clare.
Annaghmore Cornoko (ISH). 2019 gelding by HHS Cornet (ISH) out of Annaghmore Temptress (KWPN), by IROKO (WESTF). Bred by Aoife Healion, Co. Offaly.
Belline Kasparov (ISH). 2020 gelding by Quality Time (HOLST) by Chestnuthill Lady Milbrook (ISH), by (). Bred by Ian Norris, Co. Wexford.
Lollypop PH (WSI). 2020 mare by Cormint (HOLST) out of Desir De L’Esprit m2s (KWPN), by Desire Du Chateau (SF). Bred by Paul Hughes.
Fernhill Pop Ice (ISH). 2020 gelding by Kassanova Hero B Z (ZANG) out of DS Aphrodite (AES), by Darrara Achilles (ISH). Bred by Dermot O’Brien, Co. Cork.
The DAFM Studbook Series League is delivered by Horse Sport Ireland and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) under National Breeding Services.
