Belgian win for Broderick

At the three-star show in Lummen, Belgium, Tipperary’s Greg Broderick scored a win in a two-phase class aboard Zuidam, while Millioninmind (ISH) took a runner-up finish with British rider Joe Clayton.

Clark finishes best at Belton

Kildare-born event rider Aoife Clark finished best of the Irish at the three-star international event at Belton in Britain last Sunday with Fernhill Adventure (ISH) in fifth place overall, where four Irish riders finished inside the top 15. The event was won by Australia’s Chris Burton and Nobilis 18.

Nallon features in France

At the pony international show in Fontainbleau in France, Mayo’s Ciaran Nallon took fourth place in the 1.30m Grand Prix riding Dibidoe.

The earlier 1.20m Grand Prix saw Ireland fill all three spots on the podium. Robbie Clancy took the winner’s prize with I’m A Tom Boy, with Abigail Boland in second aboard Little Miss Burberry and also finished third with My Castlehill Lass.

€10,000 gene project

A €10,000 research project into the genetic differences between true Traditional Irish Horses (TIH) and Irish sport horses with Continental blood has been given the green light by the Department of Agriculture. Horse Sport Ireland has commissioned UCD’s Dr Emmeline Hill of Plusvital (formerly Equinome) to study the genetic composition of the TIH and compare it to horses with warmblood elements in their pedigree.

The aim is to develop a quick DNA test to conclusively prove if the horse is TIH or not. The study could take up to a year to complete.