Italian job at Tattersalls
That was an increase on last year’s figure of 30,000 and some of the top names from the horseracing world were also there including Ted Walsh and Tracey Piggott along with Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Robbie Power and top trainers Gordon Elliott and Jessica Harrington.
The best equestrian riders including 18 Olympians, World and Olympic Champions among the 343-strong international field from 10 countries thrilled the crowds.
After five days of fantastic eventing action across the three disciplines the main event the CCI3* competition and finale was won by Italian rider Vittoria Panizzon on her Chequers Play The Game
with a score of 35.5 which is the best score recored at Tattersalls and indeed the best by an Italian rider in eventing.
Vittoria is the first ever Italian rider to win at Tattersalls where she led from the first day’s dressage phase through a faultless cross country performance and having just one time fault in the showjumping which was the part she was most worried about.
Team GB’s Piggy French on her Quarrycrest Echo was second with a score of 39.3 which was her dressage mark.
Will Newton from GB on Caja 20 finshed in third and Tegan White-McMorrow on Texan Style was best of the Irish on a score of 90.8.
The FEI Nations Cup (CICO3*) was won by Team France with a great overall display by their riders Luc Chateau, Raphael Cochet, Sidney Dufresne and Pierre Touzaint finishing on an overall score of 137.60.
Team Ireland came third and team members Austin O’Connor, Cathal Daniels, Sarah Ennis and Sam Watson finished on a score of 197.90.
The shorter format CIC3* was won by Frenchman Luc Chateau on Propiano de l’Ebat with a final score of 37.2 incurring just 1.2 time penalties on his cross country round to add to his dressage score.
English rider Oliver Townend was second after a flying cross country round within the time allowed of seven minutes and no penalties throughout the jumping phases.
Best of the Irish was Sam Watson on Ardagh Highlight on a score of 48 and placing fourth in the competition.
The CCI2* event was won by Tim Price on his Kilcooley Cruising with a great score of 38.3 incurring no penalties after his dressage. Best of the Irish was Austin O’Connor with his Lucky Contender on a score of 54.
The CCI2* Under 25 competition was won by Team GB’s Samuel Ecroyd on his Tuallaher Sunrise with a score of 42.7 whilst best of the Irish was Tessa Harley in 11th position with a score of 56.8 on her Catsky.
It wasn’t all about horses at Tattersalls all weekend as the shopping village consisting of local artisan foods, pancakes, gourmet burgers, arts, crafts and country clothing reported a brisk trade.
The jumping mini ponies proved to be really popular with the youngsters along with the novelty dog show with special prizes for the waggiest tail and best six legs (dog and owner).