Sunday, May 21 - Final Results

THE FINAL DAY AT PUNCHESTOWN……
Louise Parkes Reports from Ireland for PhelpsSport.com

The drama continued on the final day of the Punchestown International Three-Day-Event when Ireland claimed the 3-Star title for the first time in 20 years as Sacha Pemble scooped the Irish Horse Board's €16,000 winner’s purse ahead of Britain's Vicky Brake. Riding I've Been Dun, Pemble rocketed up from 18th after dressage to hold runner-up spot after a day of cross-country mayhem, and came out on top today despite having two fences down in the show jumping phase.(At the right: Sasha receives her prize from Irish Horse Board Chairman Joe Walshe. Photo Credit: 2006 Camilla Walters/EPS.)

So what happened to dressage and cross-country leader William Fox-Pitt, who had more than seven show jumping fences in hand after a near-copybook cross-country run? Well, just like Australia's Andrew Hoy, who said earlier in the week that the third 2-Star cross-country fence would cause problems, Fox-Pitt lived to rue HIS prediction that the 3-Star would not end up as, ". . . a dressage competition," when his horse was withdrawn before today's final veterinary inspection. Idalgo hit the Glendalough wall, just before the Quarry complex halfway round the course, hard enough to remove stone yesterday afternoon, and this morning he had a big knee. "He is sound on the soft; but, not on the hard," the British rider said philosophically. It was clear however that he was not deeply disappointed. He came to Punchestown to see what this horse could do and he found out just what he had been hoping for - he has a 4-Star horse in the making.

The only ones smiling as the deluge returned with a vengeance were the shopkeepers selling rain-gear. The downpour never relented and the Punchestown organisers were hard-punished for the effort they had put in to ensure that this fixture happened at all. Whatever chance they had of attracting the public on a weekend, when an Irish team was vying for the European team rugby title (and they won!) and when a major golf tournament was happening just down the road, the inclement conditions ensured that only the insane would venture out.

Insanity is not an issue for eventers however and, thanks to the excellent Punchestown sand ring, the jumping test was very fair indeed. Surprisingly, despite all the carnage of the previous afternoon, Fox-Pitt's horse turned out to be the only casualty from the finishing group of 16 and the home side had plenty to celebrate. Pemble is one of a number of former British riders who have opted to compete for Ireland over the past few years and while the 29 year old from Kent took pole position another British defector, Louise Lyons, from Retford near Doncaster, who is also 29, slotted into third with Watership Down. Both girls have strong Irish connections, Pemble's late grandmother hailing from Galway and Lyons' father coming from County Tyrone, and each held dual citizenship so the transfer was fairly seamless.

In fact Irish riders filled seven of the top 10 placings and this is a huge boost for the sports governing body Eventing Ireland which had not enjoyed a Punchestown 3-Star winner since Jessica Harrington, now one of Ireland's leading National Hunt race-horse trainers, claimed the Freeman Jackson Trophy back in 1986.

The cross-country track designed by Tommy Brennan and influenced by Assistant Designer Hugh Lochore, from Britain, came in for some serious criticism; but, despite his absence from the closing stages, Fox-Pitt was having none of it today and Pemble was in complete agreement. "Most courses these days have no character left at all. Punchestown is unusual and unique - its got a character all its own and yesterday the going played a huge part in the way things turned out," Fox-Pitt insisted. "Horses that might be struggling at three-star level will always be found out by a track like this and nobody says its supposed to be easy. You had to use your head to get around here yesterday and it shouldn't be easy - it's an international sport and the standards should be high," he pointed out.

Pemble, who could only describe herself as "shocked" when finding herself with the winning rosette in her hand praised her handsome dun mare. The 11 year old I've Been Dun won Hartpury 2-Star and was in Saumur and Boekolo last season, so Punchestown was the next move in the learning curve. "She's a great cross-country horse - when all the rest begin to fail she really rises to the occasion and yesterday took very little out of her - she didn't have a scratch on her at the end of the day. The only long route I took was at the last water because I thought she was just beginning to tire." Britain's Tor Brewer had been lying second as the show jumping began; but, dropped to eighth when Highleadon hit four fences and picked up time faults. Brake's single error with Looks Like Fun saw her slot into second, with Lyons's moving into third with just one show jumping time fault.

The Failte Ireland CCI**

Matthew Wright did just what the Irish feared when staying clear to claim the Failte Ireland 2-Star honours with Singalong. There was a British rout here when Mary King finished second with King's Fancy, Polly Stockton was third with Westwood Joker and Pippa Funnell was fourth with Matter of Opinion. Best of the Irish was Elizabeth Power riding Kilpatrick River who headed Germany's Bettina Hoy and Witch Doctor in sixth.

Wright is acutely aware that Ireland has become a very happy hunting ground for him after his major success in Cork last month and this weekend's victory which he sealed with a clear show jumping round."I have the feeling there'll be a protest at the docks when I drive my lorry over next time!" he said with a laugh.

Matthew seems more mature than his 23 years and the young man from Retford near Doncaster is a significant asset to British eventing. Like Fox-Pitt and Pemble he was dismissive of any criticism of the cross-country challenge."It sorted out the horses - look at mine - some went well and some went badly, that's the way it goes," he said. He is planning a return trip to Ireland in two weeks time for the 2-Star in Tattersalls and despite all the jokes he is guaranteed a warm welcome to the Emerald Isle, particularly after his valiant rescue of a staunch Irish eventing supporter on Friday night. Eric Williams, who celebrated his 92nd birthday today, found himself locked in the bathroom beside the Punchestown restaurant. Wright, with assistance from Irishman Austin O'Connor, jumped into action. In the course of their rescue attempt however the British rider fell through the bathroom roof so the bumps and bruises he was wearing today were not all a consequence of his unscheduled dismount during yesterday's 3-Star cross-country trip. And this time he's going to be more careful of his winnings after his dog chewed up the cheques he won at Ballindenisk in April. "I learned one thing about the banks after that happened," he pointed out today. "Yhey WILL accept cheques as long as you have all the bits; but, its easier if you don't have to stick them all together again."

One of the great things about horse people is that the best ones are very good at laughing at themselves. Wright is one of these, and so is Punchestown General Manager Dick O'Sullivan, a man of considerable grace and charm. He was caught offside recently, however, when, in the lead-up to the hugely popular and successful Punchestown Racing Festival, he took a phone-call because there was no-one else around to pick it up. "Hello, Punchestown Racecourse," he said politely. "Oh hello" said the voice at the other end of the phone "I'm working with Yasmin Le Bon and we are wondering if it would be possible to organise extra security for her during your race-meeting please?". Always the gentleman, Mr O'Sullivan wanted to sort this out as smoothly as he could - "Well now which race is she running in?" he asked as the manager for the British super-model gulped with disbelief at the other end of the telephone. "Sure I thought she was some French filly," Dick explained afterwards with only a hint of embarrassment."But anyhow she didn't need any security at all and when I met her she was really nice". Yes, that's horse people for you.....

Irish Sport Board CCI***, Final Results

1. Sacha Pemble (IRE), I've Been Dun - 58.5 (18) 20.8 - 79.3 (2) - 87.3 (8 faults SJ)
2. Vicky Brake (GBR), Looks Like Fun - 56.7 (17) 28.8 - 85.5 (4) 89.5 (4 faults SJ)
3. Louise Lyons (IRE), Watership Down - 59.3 (22) 31.2 - 90.5 (6) 91.5 (1 time fault SJ)
4. Sarah Wardell (IRE), Kilcluny - 62.0 (23) 24.8 - 86.8 (5) 10 96.8 (10 faults SJ)
5. Pippa Funnell (GBR), Chamrock - 50.7 (8) 26.4 20 97.1 (8) 101.1 (4 faults SJ)
6. Sherelle Duke (IRE), Ballystockart - 55.4 (14) 27.2 20 102.6 (11) - 102.6 (DC SJ)
7. Austin O'Connor (IRE), Swynnerton - 65.4 (27) 26.8 - 92.2 (7) 103.2 (11 faults SJ)
8. Tor Brewer (GBR), Highleadon - 54.3 (12) 28.8 - 83.1 (3) 110.1 (27 faults SJ)
9. Philippa Peters (IRE), Upward Trend - 66.3 (30) 39.2 - 105.5 (13) - 113.5 (8 faults SJ)
10. Geoff Curran (IRE), Kilkishen - 45.2 (4) 38.8 20 - 104.0 (12) 114.0 (10 faults SJ)

The Over Night Leader: DNF: William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Idalgo 33.5 (1) 14.8 - 48.3 (1) Withdrawn

* * *

The Failte Ireland CCI** Final Results:

1. Matthew Wright (GBR), Singalong - 45.2 (7) 0.8 - 46.0 (1) - 46.0 (DC SJ)
2. Mary King (GBR), Kings Fancy - 47.1 (9) - - 47.1 (3) 48.1 (1 time fault SJ)
3. Polly Stockton (GBR), Westwood Joker - 48.3 (10) - - 48.3 (4) - 48.3 (FODS)
4. Pippa Funnell (GBR), Matter Of Opinion -42.7 (3) 5.6 - 48.3 (5) - 52.3 (4 faults SJ)
5. Elizabeth Power (IRE), Kilpatrick River - 49.0 (11) - - 49.0 (6) - 53.0 (4 faults SJ)
6. Bettina Hoy (GER), Witch Doctor - 44.0 (4) 2.8 - 46.8 (2) -54.8 (8 faults SJ)
7. Sasha Stewart (IRE), Smart Enough - 55.4 (23) - - 55.4 (8) - 59.4 (4 faults SJ)
8. Matthew Wright (GBR), Another Cavalier - 59.6 (35) - - 59.6 (11) - 59.6 (FODS)
9. Kitty Boggis (GBR), Imperial Master - 54.0 (22) 5.2 - 59.2 (10) 60.2 (1 time fault SJ)
10. Fraser Duffy (IRE), Supermans Flight - 58.8 (32) 1.6 - 60.4 (12) - 60.4 (DC SJ)


35. Julian Stiller (USA), Mr. Ramsey - 57.3 (26) 35.2 85 177.5 (40) 198.5 (21 faults SJ)

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Saturday, May 20, 2006 - Standings After Cross Country

WILLIAM'S WAY AHEAD....IN EVERY SENSE
Louise Parkes Reports from Ireland, for PhelpsSport.com

The Irish Horse Board CCI***

William Fox-Pitt goes into tomorrow's final show jumping phase of the Irish Horse Board CCI 3-Star with a colossal 31-point lead while fellow-Briton Matthew Wright heads up the Failte Ireland 2-Star by just over two points after a day of high drama at the Punchestown International Three Day Event.

Fox-Pitt's predictions on Friday were realised to the letter as the strength of Tommy Brennan's cross-country track and the soft going resulting from over a week of very heavy rain combined to test horses and riders to the limit, but he himself proved more than equal to the task while so many others fell away. From a starting field of 29, only 16 completed the 3-Star course - four were eliminated and nine retired and the top of the order was radically altered.

Lying second after dressage, Pippa Funnell called it a day at fence four when Ensign put in a refusal and this fence claimed a lot of scalps. The wall on top of a mound with a very steep run down to two off-set fences at the bottom of the hillside required enormous accuracy, and unbalanced horses and riders found themselves in all sorts of trouble. Many horses were simply not ready for a challenge on this scale so early on the track and Ireland's big hope, Lt. Geoff Curran, picked up 20 penalties with both of his rides here. Mary King, lying third overnight, called it a day after a stop at the Caymen Island water complex at fence 10 where the bounce into the lake proved tricky and with Eddie Stibbe's withdrawal, and eventual retirement for Ireland's Steven Smith following a series of stops, the leading pack began to disappear from the reckoning at a rapid rate.

The 3-Star drama began right from the start when pathfinder, British-based Irishman Austin O'Connor, retired at the Moate, at fence three, a straight-forward solid spread on a downhill slope. Somehow spectators were oblivious to the fact that this competition was underway and as O'Connor rode towards the obstacle someone was sitting on it, while others were wandering happily across the approach line. Completely disgusted the rider pulled up and retired and his day didn't get any better either because he was eliminated with his second ride, Pocket Rocket, for going the wrong side of a flag at the enormous parallel at fence eight later in the afternoon. The man was not in a good mood this evening.

Two more Irish runners also got their walking papers - the promising partnership of Philippa Peters and Tir no Doone, who demolished part of the farmyard complex at 21 leading to a significant delay in proceedings, and Lt. Geoff Curran, whose first ride, Quick Thinking, first became entangled in the course-roping and then took a heavy fall at the landmark Newgrange complex. Britain's Clare Lewis and Park Pageboy fell foul of the bounce into water at 10 for a horrible fall and Fox-Pitt admitted that he wa,"...a bit scared going out," with Idalgo. But he had said on Friday night that he reckoned he was about to find out exactly what his own horse was made of, and he did just that. There was never any chance of anyone getting home within the time; but, Fox-Pitt was the quickest of the day when adding just 14.8 time faults to maintain his lead. Meanwhile, Sacha Pemble, a former British competitor who has taken out Irish nationality, rocketed up the leaderboard from 18th to 2nd place when the handsome I've Been Dun added only 20.8 time penalties to his dressage mark. This dun horse looks like a pony from a distance; but, is much bigger closer up and made surprisingly little fuss about the fences on his tour of the track.

Tor Brewer and Highleadon were slower to slot into third ahead of fellow-Briton's Vicky Brake and Looks Like Fun, while Ireland's Sarah Wardell (Kincluny) and Louise Lyons (Watership Down) fill the next two placings going into tomorrow's final phase. Austin O'Connor did manage to get one horse around - Swynnerton who slotted into seventh ahead of Funnell and her second ride Chamrock - but the starting field for show jumping may well be further reduced after the morning trot-up.

* * *

The Failte Ireland CCI**

The statistics for the Failte Ireland 2-Star were only marginally better with two eliminations and six retirements, while 18 horses came home with fence penalties and only eight of the 48 starters got home inside the time. That man Wright is at it again however. Despite his retirement at the bounce at fence nine with Grove Joucas, who was lying second after dressage, he snatched the lead with Singalong, who had been lying in seventh spot when dressage leader Christian Landolt, from Switzerland, retired with MacIntyre early on the course. Again the early fences took a huge toll, many suffering refusals at the downhill steps at three and the offset hedge at four. Australian star Andrew Hoy, lying equal fifth, was probably wishing he hadn't even mentioned it when collecting 20 penalties at this one, which he had warned, before the event began, would be a trouble-maker. His German wife Bettina Hoy; however, picked up just 2.8 time penalties to move up from overnight fourth to second spot with Witch Doctor, while Mary King brought King's Fancy home within the time to slot into third ahead of Polly Stockton and Westwood Joker who did likewise, as Pippa Funnell and Matter of Opinion dropped two places to fifth when accumulating 5.6 for time.

Wright has two horses through to tomorrow's final phase as the talented 23 year old from Nottinghamshire in England steered Another Cavalier home without incident to enjoy a meteoric rise from 35th to 11th and, despite looking more than a little battle-weary after his unscheduled dismount from Cermont at the Quarry bounce in the 3-Star, he looks set to claim some more Irish loot following on his runaway success at the World Cup Qualifying fixture in Cork last month.

When riders look back at Punchestown 2006 they will probably recall a day of cross-country carnage; but, one of those who will wear the badge of survival with pride will be America's Julian Stiller. She may be lying last going into the show jumping ring tomorrow, after a stop from Mr. Ramsey at the bounce at nine and then a fall for herself at the water complex at 11; but, she gritted her teeth and finished to prove that she's made of the right stuff.

Irish Sport Board CCI***, Cross Country Results

1. William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Idalgo - 33.5 (1) - 48.3 (14.8 time XC)
2. Sacha Pemble (IRE), I've Been Dun - 58.5 (18) - 79.3 (20.8 time XC)
3. Tor Brewer (GBR), Highleadon - 54.3 (12) - 83.1 (28.8 time XC)
4. Vicky Brake(GBR), Looks Like Fun 56.7 (17) - 85.5 (28.8 time XC)
5. Sarah Wardell (IRE), Kincluny - 62.0 (23) - 86.8 (24.8 time XC)
6. Louise Lyons (IRE), Watership Down - 59.3 (22) - 90.5 (31.2 time XC)
7. Austin O'Connor (IRE), Swynnerton - 65.4 (27) - 92.2 (26.8 time XC)
8. Pippa Funnell (GBR), Chamrock -50.7 (8) - 97.1 (26.4 time, 20 jumping XC)
9. Heinz Wehrli (SUI), Trumpet Pierre - 48.9 (7) - 98.9 (30.0 time, 20 jumping XC)
10. George Russell (IRE), Young Man - 54.8 (13) - 101.6 (26.8 time, 20 jumping XC)
11. Sherelle Duke (GBR), Ballystockart - 55.4 (14) 102.6 (27.2 tim, 20 jumping XC)

* * *

Failte Ireland CCI **Cross Country Results:

1. Matthew Wright (GBR), Singalong - 45.2 (7) - 46.0 (0.8 time XC)
2. Bettina Hoy (GER), Witch Doctor - 44.0 (4) - 46.8 (2.8 time XC)
3. Mary King (GBR), Kings Fancy - 47.1 (9) - 47.1 (DC XC)
4. Polly Stockton (GBR), Westwood Joker - 48.3 (10) - 48.3 (DC XC)
5. Pippa Funnel (GBR), Matter Of Opinion - 42.7 (3 ) - 48.3 (5.6 time XC)
6. Elizabeth Power (IRE), Kilpatrick River - 49.0 (11) - - 49.0 (DC XC)
7. Daniel Leech (IRE), Squire Tat - 51.3 (15) - 51.3 (DC XC)
8. Sasha Stewart (IRE), Smart Enough - 55.4 (23) - 55.4 (DC XC)
9. Caroline Bjoerk (IRE), Huckleberry Friend - 51.0 (13) - 55.4 (4.4 time XC)
10. Kitty Boggis (GBR), Imperial Master - 54.0 (22) - 59.2 ( 5.2 time XC)

40. Julian Stiller (USA), Mr. Ramsey 57.3 (26) - 177.5 (35.2 time, 85 jumping XC)
(Editor's Note: Christian Landholt (SUI) the over night leader retired on course.)

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FOX-PITT JUST CAN'T WAIT TO GO GALLOPING
Louise Parkes Reports from Ireland for PhelpsSports.com

Kildare, Ireland – May 19, 2006 - It's Friday evening at Punchestown, and William Fox-Pitt is sitting in his lorry at the end of another day's work. If he's thinking, "Oh, no, please - not ANOTHER interview," then it is not apparent. The fact that he is leading The Irish Horse Board CCI 3-Star after producing a lovely dressage test from his horse, Idalgo is probably helping. (William is pictured at the right. (Photo Credit: 2006 by EPS/Camilla Walter.)

"I've had him for three years - he's a French horse, Selle Francais, and he was fifth in Le Lion d'Angers as a seven year old; but, I have produced him slowly. He's a kind of "special needs" character - a bit quirky and opinionated so its taken a while to establish a relationship with him," the quintessential Englishman explains.

Idalgo is owned by the Apters, also owners of Fox-Pitt's ride Stunning, and supporters of the British team member now for more than seven years. "He was second in Boekolo last year and won the 3-Star at Burnham Market recently so I reckoned he just might be ready to come here now," the rider says about the horse.

He pulled into the lead when first into the dressage ring this afternoon and his mark of 33.5 gives him more than a 10-point advantage over fellow-Briton Pippa Funnell. "It's not often that happens!" he points out, and the British hold a firm grip going into cross-country day with Funnell followed in third by Mary King and Apache Sauce while, as hoped, young Irish army rider Lt. Geoff Curran is well up there, holding fourth with Kilkishen.

Fox-Pitt is taking nothing for granted. He may be in the lead today; but, tomorrow is another whole ball-game. "The track is great. The organisers said they did it on a limited budget; but, its big and bold for a 3-Star - there are plenty of opportunities to make a mistake," he points out. "The bounce into the water is big enough, and the well at the Crannog's has to be jumped at an angle this time. The whole course will take some jumping and the ground could be tiring after all this rain. It's going to take a lot of physical effort and be a test of fitness but most of the going is still fantastic," he adds.

"I haven't seen a track like this since the Europeans," he muses, thinking back to 2003 when the Irish venue played host to the cream of the eventing world. Not for the first time though. The place has resounded to the sound of cross-country commentary for 40 years and has seen some great action. Course designer Tommy Brennan's name has become synonymous with Punchestown, particularly since his spectacular track for the European Championships, in 1991, which earned him widespread acclaim. His trademark style is uncompromising. Not for him the trappy "take-a-pull and turn" type courses that are so much more common today. Tommy builds for brave jumpers that can gallop down to their fences without turning a hair and Fox-Pitt wonders what Idalgo will make of it all tomorrow. "My horse is a big galloper and its for that reason that I brought him here. I had a choice of here, Saumur or Luhmuhlen; but, decided this was the best track for him and if he goes well then it will set him up really well for 4-Star level - I'm about to find out just how good he is," he continues.

He's thinking through tactics and reckons it would be best to err on the side of caution on the early part of the course. "It wouldn't be a good idea to set off too quickly. The going will take it out of them; so, I think horses should be allowed to travel comfortably and riders don't want to use up too much horse-power early on or they won't have enough to get home," he explains. And, should things go according to plan on the morrow. What about his prospects in Sunday's show jumping phase? "He's not a bad show jumper;" he replies, probably a bit modestly, "but, it's only my third three-day with him so its difficult to know how he will be on Sunday," he says. Tired probably, like a lot of the others, and therefore undergoing a true test of character. "It's going to be an interesting day tomorrow and one thing's for sure - this is definitely NOT going to be a dressage competition!" he insists.

Irish Sport Board CCI*** Dressage Results:.

1. William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Idalgo -174 189 173 = 33.5
2. Mary King (GBR), Apache Sauce -164 159 163 = 44.4
3. Geoff Curran (IRE), Kilkishen - 60 158 164 + 45.2*
4T. Eddie Stibbe (Netherland Antilles), Dusky Moon - 160 155 154 = 48.0
4T. Steven Smith (IRE), Quality VH -155 154 160 = 48.0
6. Heinz Wehrli (SUI), Trumpet Pierre - 154 154 157 = 48.9
7. Pippa Funnell (GBR), Chamrock - 156 151 = 50.7
8. Niall Griffin (IRE), Lorgaine - 151 154 147 = 51.7
9. Anna Lidar (SWE), Double Dealer - 159 143 141 = 53.7
10. Rodney Powell (GBR), Major Sweep - 146 138 158 = 53.9
(32 competitors)

Meanwhile in the Failte Ireland 2-Star Class

Switzerland's Christian Landolt and MacIntyre maintained their first-day dressage lead ahead of Britain's Matthew Wright in second, while Pippa Funnell moved into third ahead of Germany's Bettina Hoy. Britain's Kitty Boggis and Australia's Andrew Hoy share fifth spot. Wright is also stalking the leaders in seventh spot and the Irish are edgy. He had the bare-faced cheek to steal most of the cheques on offer at Ballindenisk, in Cork, last month; but, at least they had the satisfaction of knowing that he didn't find it too easy to cash them. Because when he brought them back to his lorry his dog ate them. Good enough for him - he was far too greedy anyway. If he wins any more this time around he'll probably put them away a little more carefully this time.

Failte Ireland CCI ** Dressage Results:

1. Christian Landholt (SUI), Macintyre - 40.4
2. Matthew Wright (GBR) Grove Joucas - 42.1
3. Pippa Funnell (GBR), Matter of Opinion - 173 174 168 = 42.7
4. Bettina Hoy (GER), Witch Doctor - 173 166 170 = 44.0
5T. Kitty Boggis (GBR), King's Cross -176 162 167 = 44.8
5T. Andrew Hoy (AUS), Peaceful Consort -171 168 166 = 44.8
7. Matthew Wright (GBR), Singalong - 177 165 161 = 45.2
8. Emma Galway (IRE), Hidden Assit - 165 173 162 = 45.8
9. Mary King (GBR), King's Fancy - 166 168 160 = 47.1
10. Polly Stockton (GBR), Westwood Joker -172 157 159 = 48.3

26. Julian Stiller (USA), Mr Ramsey - 147 151 147 = 57.3
(50 competitors)

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CHRISTIAN LANDOLT (SUI) TAKES THE LEAD
Louise Parkes Reports from Punchestown for PhelpsSports.com

Punchestown, Ireland - May18, 2006 -Switzerland's Christian Landolt and Macintyre took the early lead in the Failte Ireland CCI 2-Star class as dressage got underway at the Punchestown International Three-Day Event in Kildare, Ireland today.

The battle with the elements continued, with gale-force winds and torrential rain doing all they could to disrupt proceedings, but eventers are not easily thrown off their stride and even though the tented village flapped and billowed and the advertising banners waved merrily at the side of the sand arena as horses passed by, most of the equines were extraordinarily patient and well-concentrated so just simply got on with the job.

As expected, Matthew Wright was well to the fore with his Ballindenisk winner Grove Joucas who tucked into second spot on a mark of 42.1 while fellow-Britons Pippa Funnell riding Matter of Opinion and Mary King partnering King's Fancy slotted into third and fourth ahead of Eddie Stibbe and Autumn Romance for the Dutch Antilles in fifth.

The Irish were well-pleased with three finishers in the top-ten led by Caroline Bjoerk and her handsome Huckleberry Friend who lie sixth going into day two. Caroline is married to Lars Bjoerk, a Swedish businessman and former rider who has lived in Ireland for many years and who co-owns Dollanstown Stud in Kilcock, County Kildare - a popular venue for both eventing and dressage training. Known locally as "Larry Burke" - because that's far easier to pronounce - Lars has spear-headed the highly acclaimed Future Event Horse series along with former army rider Lt. Col. Ronnie McMahon who now works in the UAE. Swedish reticence was cast aside as Lars watched his wife produce a very nice test from the 11 year old dyed-in-the-wool Irish-bred, by Ballinvella Lad out of an Errigal Flight mare, and he threw his arms in the air in delight as Caroline drew to a halt to record a mark of 51.0. It was a special achievement for the horse who was injured after winning the 1-Star at Dartfield in the west of Ireland three years ago and who suffered another setback with a virus last season before bouncing back at the beginning of 2006.

June Burgess finished ninth for the home side with Flurry Knox V while Sue Shortt, the Kildare woman whom Kiwi legend Mark Todd once described as "one of the greatest cross-country riders in the world", filled tenth spot with her 2005 Dartfield winner Karamea Dublin. Shortt suffered the worst of the weather and yet produced an excellent test so when the Ground Jury tally only added up to a score of 53.7 there were a few groans from her many fans but her horse's owner, Kieran Connors, whose development company CLG is sponsoring the 2-Star Young Rider section, was still well-pleased.

American, Julian Stiller, proved a bit of a surprise, partly because she turned out to be a girl instead of a boy. Her Christian name would tend to be reserved for the male of the species more often than not, but there was nothing unladylike about her performance with Mr. Ramsey which earned her 14th place out of the 26 starters at the end of the opening day.

From Charlotte, Vermont, the 22 year old moved to England last January to train with Andrew and Bettina Hoy, at Gatcombe Park, after spending the previous five years with Kelly McMullen-Temple, in Middleburg, Virginia, and she seemed to be experiencing a mixture of amusement and awe on her Punchestown debut. "It's amazing to be training with Andrew and Bettina," she said after completing her test. Stiller has been eventing for eight years and, winner of team silver at the North American Young Rider Championships back in 2002, she competed at Foxhall in 2003 with Market Mover. "I only just got this horse - Bettina found him for me in Germany and he used to be ridden by Karl Bolten," she explained. "He did Boekolo last Fall and he's a bit difficult in dressage," she added. Having put the dreaded dressage phase behind her she was now thinking ahead to Saturday's cross-country course - "It's plenty big and galloping and I hope it suits my horse. I've never ridden him round a course so I have no idea whether he will like it or not, but my ambition is to finish and to feel good about it!" she pointed out.

She is likely to find herself further down the leader board after the second group of 2-Star riders have completed their first phase tomorrow evening, and Landolt's leading score of 40.4 should be strongly challenged by the remainder of the 50 starters including the Hoy husband-and-wife team.

Meanwhile the 3-Star contenders were today preparing for take their turn, and Ireland's Austin O'Connor will be first into the ring in the morning with the first of his two rides while Britain's William Fox-Pitt leads the way in the afternoon. The final group looks particularly interesting with Mary King, Pippa Funnell and Matthew Wright all in there along with, amongst others, Ireland's Steven Smith, Philippa Peters, Joseph Murphy and army rider Lieut. Geoff Curran.

And they will hoping that the weather Gods are in a much better mood.....

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WET AND WINDY, BUT NEVER MIND - IT'S PUNCHESTOWN!..
A Special Report from Louise Parkes