Michael Ryan held onto his overnight lead to win the feature class at the inaugural Kilguilkey House International Horse Trials today. Riding Carol & Tom Henry’s ‘Ballylynch Wizard,’ the London 2012 team rider added just two time penalties to his dressage score; keeping him ahead of his wife Patricia with Tullineaskey Hi-Ho on her return to International competition after an injury earlier in the eventing season. Michael’s victory also secures him the Dan Coleman Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the best Munster-based rider.

The cross country phase brought competitors across 3km of undulating farm land over a course designed by Great Britain’s Eric Winter. Blue skies and temperatures in the mid-twenties replaced the early morning mist and the going proved ideal across all classes.

In the CIC* competition, a clear round across the country led to the Army Equitation School’s Capt. Brian Curran Cournane retaining his position at the top of the leaderboard. Rodney O’ Donnell completed just one penalty behind with his own Hillcrest Harry.Meanwhile, in the hydeequine.com CNCP1* Championship which took place alongside the International classes, victory went the way of Lucy Hancock riding Comical Con.

The inaugural running of this event was warmly received by competitors and spectators alike and Event Director Danny Dulohery was delighted with the feedback he has received. ‘Despite the relatively low number of entries, we would like to thank everyone for the incredible support we have received. The important thing is that every horse and rider got home safely. We will continue to improve our events and we’re looking ahead to next year already!’

Following their diversification from farming to equestrian enterprise, Kilguilkey House was recently awarded the IRD Duhallow Best Agri-Business Award. The venue has benefitted from LEADER funding through IRD Duhallow.

Final results for the CIC classes are available on Eventing Ireland.