CLARK SNATCHES VICTORY AT THREE-STAR BRAMHAM

THIRTY-two year-old Irish Olympian Aoife Clark swept to victory this afternoon (Sunday) at the three-star Bramham event in England, climbing ten places from her opening dressage score.

Riding the Irish Sport Horse mare Fenya’s Elegance, Dublin-born Clark made up lost ground during Saturday’s cross country phase after trailing British rider Izzy Taylor’s remarkable dressage score of 28.1, and was in second place before the final show jumping phase in Yorkshire today, where she narrowly snatched victory with a zero score against Taylor and Orlando’s four faults.

World No. 1, Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and Freddie Mac settled for third place.

Ireland’s Mark Kyle with the Irish Sport Horse Coolio also turned in a clear jumping round at Bramham today, lifting them from overnight 12th to a seventh-placed finish.

Despite having three fences down, Clark also claimed 12th place with Vaguely North in the three-star event.

Horse Sport Ireland’s Eventing High Performance Manager Nick Turner said today: “This was another sterling performance from Aoife. She was remarkably consistent through all three phases at Bramham, and this was a great result for her, especially after her victory at Blenheim last year. The owners are very important to us, and it was great to see Fenya’s Elegance’s owner PJ Hegarty here to see her win today. Irish riders all turned in very good performances at Bramham, and overall it was a great day for Irish sport.”

Fenya’s Elegance was bred in Co. Cork by PJ Hegarty, and was sired by Ricardo Z.

Irish riders have now claimed victory at three of Britain’s major Three Day Events – Aoife Clark at Bramham and Blenheim, and Sarah Ennis at Chatsworth.

Aoife Clark

BREEDING: 

•Fenya’s Elegance (ISH) – 2004 chestnut mare by Ricardo Z (ZANG) out of Fenya (ISH), by Good Thyne (TB). Owner/Bred by PJ Hegarty, Co. Cork. Rider: Aoife Clark (IRL)
• Coolio (ISH) – 2003 grey gelding by Ghareeb (TB) out of Beechland Lady (WNTR), by Diamond Serpent (ISH). Bred by Walter Crean, Beechlands, Ballyelland, Davidstown, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Owner: Ronnie Bartlett & Mark Kyle. Rider: Mark Kyle (IRL)