Congratulations to the Irish eventing team of Sarah Ennis/Sugar Brown Babe (ISH), Joseph Murphy/Electric Cruise (ISH), Camilla Sperirs/Portersize Just a Jif (ISH) and Sam Watson/Horseware Bushman (ISH) who all put in valiant efforts to finish third in the first ever Eventing Nations Cup staged at the beautiful Ballindenisk, Watergrasshill, Co Cork, last week. Both venue and team did Ireland and Irish sport horse breeding proud.

It is in breeding top-class event horses that we have excelled, so it is imperative that we continue to build on the breeding progress that has been made.

There is no doubt that our European counterparts are hot on our heels and gaining ground. At times like this, it is only right that the breeders of these top performers be included on the honours list. So a big congratulations is in order to the following people: Julia Watson, Co Carlow (Horseware Bushman); Miriam Cunning, Co Meath (Sugar Brown Babe); James J Ryan, Co Tipperary (Electric Cruise); and Philip White (Portersize Just a Jiff); and not forgetting the Fell Family for providing such a wonderful venue. A special mention also goes to John Hagan who bred the individual winner of the Nations Cup – Cooley Master Class, ridden by Britain’s Oliver Townend.

Training event

Hopefully, inspired by these breeding success stories, young breeders will be encouraged to attend the upcoming young breeders’ training event on Wednesday next, 23 April, from 1.30pm at Bourns Sport Horses Lisbeg Farm near Ballinasloe.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young breeders to hear from breeding experts. Please book in advance with Wendy Conlon on 087 9879083 or wendy.conlon@teagasc.ie.