British rider on top at Tattersalls

Oliver Townend, riding for Great Britain, won the 2010 Tattersalls International Horse Trials at Ratoath at the weekend, riding Irish-bred horse, Ashvale Cruise. Townend led from the first phase to finish on a score of 51.6 on the 11 year-old grey gelding by the Irish sport horse, Cruising. One of the most popular riders on the circuit, Mary King of Great Britain, held on to second place on Apache Sauce despite having one fence down in the show jumping. The only showjumping clear of the day was produced by Ireland's Michael Ryan from Bandon, Co Cork riding Ballylynch Adventure who put in a magnificent round to end up in third place. The horse which is owned by Carol and Tom Henry was originally broke and trained by local auctioneer, John Bannon, from Dunshaughlin, who is an active member of the North Leinster region and was himself competing at Tattersalls. The 2010 Tattersalls International Horse Trials competition at Fairyhouse was another highly successful event bathed in sunshine with large crowds enjoying the champagne, strawberries and the world-class hospitality from Friday to Sunday. Competitors included Zara Philips, eventing world champion and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth. The pony class, sponsored by Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa, was on the go early and the crowd watched with excitement as Ice Cool Bailey's jockey, Sarah O'Brien, daughter of trainer Aiden O'Brien, used up the one pole they could afford to hold on to the top slot to win the class on a score of 48.3. Close behind in second was Jodie O'Keefe from Cork who went clear to finish on his dressage score of 51.9. Joshua Pim from Laois had one down for a final score in third of 52.1 on Mr Otto. In the Under-25 class, sponsored by Eventing Ireland, Fred Scala withdrew his overnight leader CTS Peppermill and, despite a pole down in the showjumping, kept hold of the top slot with his second mount, Hedonist, to end on a score of 64.9. A clear put Timothy Dennehy and Decent Gamble into second with fellow Cork jockey Brian Morrison in third. Local Meath rider, Sharon Reilly, had one fence down to leave Triple Point in fourth position.