However, with a ground maintenance team working very hard through the week to ensure near perfect ground conditions, along with much kinder weather offering sunshine throughout the cold spring day saw most of the 300+ entries take on the challenge of course designer Ian Stark.
The operational team to facilitate such high entries worked tirelessly recruiting additional help where possible in an attempt to offer some assistance to the army of fence judges being asked to remain inpost for very long periods. The course for each class offered good going with a few riders finding it a little fast for their liking, which emphasises the huge difference between two weeks at Tyrella.
The good news for all involved was to see so many local riders in the ribbons from strong competition representing most regions across the country, providing much encouragement in the build up to the CIC3* International this Saturday (12th) at Tyrella which is attracting stiff competition representing countries as far away as Japan.
The Northern Region organisers were also very excited to see a strong young riders intermediate class running, with many of these young competitors snapping at the heels of the senior riders with scores that would have several of them placed in a combined class. Comber rider Amy Beggs made sure the Northern contingent were represented in the ribbons.
The Novice class ncessitated division into two sections, with Section A seeing a tightly fought competition, and section B every bit as close. The Junior 'B' class competing over the same course saw County Down riders Sarah Berry (1st) and Poppy de Courcy-Wheeler (4th) representing Northern Region in the prizes.
The next event on the calender takes place on Saturday 12th April, again at Tyrella with the One-Day International. Visitors are welcome, but everyone is reminded to please comply with the directions of the stewards to ensure the safety of everyone, and facilitate the larger number of spectators attending. As with all Eventing Ireland events there is no charge for attending.
Results:
Advanced Intermediate (CNC**): 1. Colour Coded; Steven Smith (Irl), 50.3; 2. Fernhill Clover Mist; Patricia Ryan (Irl), 58.9; 3. Ballybolger Bushman; Sam Warson (Irl), 61.3; 4. Quality VH; Steven Smith (Irl), 64.1; 5. Glenhill Gold; Declan Cullen(Irl), 66.1; 6. Master Mexico; Michael Ryan(Irl), 68.4.
Intermediate (CNC**): 1. Fernando; Steven Smith, 38.5; 2. The Bird; Marie McCormick, 40.2; 3. Hoyo; Sam Watson, 40.3; 4. Fictitious; Stuart Crawford, 40.7; 5. Dicksons Eagle; Eric Pele, 41.9; 6. Rinroe King; Stuart Crawford, 44.3.
Intermediate- Young Riders (CNCYR**): 1. Tamino202; Ruth Robinson, 37.5; 2. Portersize Just a Jiff; Camilla Speirs, 37.8; 3. Autumn Blur; Amy Beggs, 39.6; 4. Portersize Top Dollar; Camilla Speirs, 41.3; 5. Sheepcote Welcome; Julie O'Neill, 44.1; 6. Soft Touch; Eliza Preston, 44.3.
Novice (CNC*) Section A: 1. Ringfort Carragheen; Steven Smith, 35.7; 2. Fair N Square; Lorna Moore, 39.1; 3. GI Master Caster; Nicola Ennis, 39.1; 4. Cun Cottown Charlie; Norman Townley, 40.0; 5. ia Ohio; Sara Glynn, 40.0; 6. HHS Royale; Richard Irwin, 41.0.
Novice (CNC*) Section B: 1. Annestown Emperor; Patricia Ryan, 24.8; 2. Summerset VDL; Jonathan Hagan, 28.1; 3. Express Yourself; Colin Halliday, 28.6; 4. Ballylynch Sky High; Michael Ryan, 31.4; 5. Robo Paddy; Steven Smith, 32.4; 6. Marlboro Man; Sam Watson, 33.6.
Junior 'B' (CNCJ*): 1. Lawanda Tawanda; Sarah Berry, 33.3; 2. Decent Gamble; Timothy Denehy, 33.5; 3. Maylim Arch; Darren Coady, 34.3; 4. Bantry Flipper; Poppy de Courcy-Wheeler, 34.3; 5. Capitol Coin; Katie Nolan, 35.0; 6. Finnisk Gem; Brian Morrison, 37.1.
Equiform Nutrition Sportsman A: Sponsored by HorseboxIreland.com: 1. Da Capo Two; Elaine Ham, 22.8; 2. Flurry Knox; June Burgess, 25.7; 3. Karamea Dublin; Michelle Nelson, 33.2; 4. Olive Oyle II; June Burgess, 34.2; 5. Ringfort Mild; Jonathon Champion, 34.8; 6. Good Company; Tonya Hoey, 35.2.
Equiform Nutrition Sportsman B: Sponsored by HorseboxIreland.com: 1. Mixed Up; Judith McCarthy, 35.1; 2. Glenkeeran Prince; John F Melvin, 35.2; 3. The Templar; Jenny Campbell, 36.6; 4. Leamchoill Drifter; Neil Wrynn, 37.1; 5. Marley Quest; David Stone, 37.8; 6. Soapy Bubble; David Lowry, 38.6.
Pre-Novice Section A: 1. Capitan EC; Kerry Russell, 30.0; 2. Autumn Ash; Rachelle Harding, 32.0; 3. Cache D'or; Jonathon Hagan, 33.0; 4. Millbridge Hero; Sally Corscadden, 34.0; 5. Philippa; Stuart Crawford, 36.5; 6. Clip Clop; William Oakden, 37.5.
Pre-Novice Section B: 1. Chikari; George Russell, 22.5; 2. Whoa Nelly; Stephen Moore, 28.5; 3. Maurice; Margaret Creighton, 28.5; 4. Kool Style; Karen O'Hara, 30.0; 5. Cavalier's Treasure; Lisa Allen, 30.5; 6. Penanns Midnight Express; Trevor Smith, 30.5.
Pre=Novice Section C: 1. Carribean Island; Kathryn Henderson, 25.5; 2. Walterstown Don; Diarmud O'Brien, 25.5; 3. Kings Master Diamond; Louise Nicholson, 29.0; 4. Griffindore; June Burgess, 29.0; 5. Imperial; Rachelle Harding, 29.5; 6. Skew-whiff III; Claire Liddle, 33.0.
CNCP*: 1. Tisara Hill; Alice Cooper, 25.5; 2. Jingle O So Good; Lucy Hanna, 35.5; 3. Mission Accomplishd; Rosie Alcorn, 37.0; 4. Bob Marley; Shane Power, 37.5; 5. Loughnatousa Zac; Sophie Bell, 39.5; 6. Pride of the Pie; Sarah Sproule, 40.0.
Junior C: 1. One More Time; Craig Andrew, 35.0; 2. Old Flames; Robert Suffern, 38.5; 3. Ballymote Carnaval Jewel; Camilla Manningham-Buller; 41.0; 4. Circle T Buster; Orla O'Hanlon, 43.5; 5. Chesapake Venture Capital; Alex Collins, 45.0; 6. Johnny Also; Alicia Law, 45.5.
Intro Section A: 1. O.B.O.S. Apollo; June Burgess, 36.5; 2. Lupo; Stephen Moore, 38.0; 3. Drummands Moss; Ben Crawford, 38.5; 4. A Quick Proposal; Georgina Philips, 40.0; 5. Millar Hill; Jane Clarke, 41.5; 6. Instingtive; Ailbhe Houlihan, 41.5.
Intro Section B: 1. Dances with Joy; Fiona Magowan, 34.0; 2. Watch Your Step; Niamh Thompson, 37.0; 3. Hers Cupid; Maggy Williams, 39.0; 4. Ballycross; Caroline Dennison, 40.5; 5. Kobi; Paul Traynor, 44.5; 6. Mourne King; Christin Newton, 47.0.