A NUMBER of Irish riders were to the fore at the crucial three-star event in Barbury Castle, England today (Sunday).

The event was being used as a key trial for the World Equestrian Games by the British selectors and no fewer than 113 combinations started the competition.

Five Irish riders finished in the top 20 with Sam Watson and 'Horseware Bushman' leading the charge in sixth place. He was followed by Jayne Doherty and 'The Only One' in 12th, and Aoife Clarke and 'Master Crusoe' in 14th. Liz Power and 'Kilpatrick River' placed 16th while Ciaran Glynn and 'Killossery Kruisita' finished in 19th.

The event was won by Nicola Wilson on 'Opposition Buzz', who were members of the British gold medal winning team at last year's European Championships in Fontainebleau.

Sam Watson and Elizabeth Power were recently named by HSI High Performance Manager Ginny Elliot as members of Ireland's squad for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in August.

Speaking afterwards Ginny Elliot said she was very pleased with the performances.

"Sam Watson was really excellent, Liz was really solid again and Ciaran, Jayne and Aoife showed that they have up and coming horses that are competitive at the top level. Camilla Speirs had an unfortunate run out, which is uncharacteristic, but our riders were doing all the quick routes and she recovered to do a good job around the remainder of the course," she said.

 

Sam Watson