Elizabeth Power riding Soladoun finished ninth at the four-star international Burghley Horse Trials. This was the 11-year-old gelding’s debut at this level. The pair were in 37th place after dressage but climbed an impressive 30 places when Power was one of only four riders to complete cross country within the optimum time.

Power had one fence down in the final show jumping phase but managed to hold onto a top ten finish. Ciaran Glynn was next best of the Irish riders with November Night. Glynn finished 14th and also received the prize for the highest placed first timer.

Five Irish riders finished in the top 30. Joseph Murphy and Sportsfield Othello finished 22nd, Michael Ryan and Dunlough Striker finished 23rd and Austin O’Connor and Lucky Contender finished 29th.

Irish breeding success

Although the prestigious event was not won by an Irish rider, Irish breeding was very well represented. The honours went to New Zealand’s Tim Price with the Irish Sport Horse Ringwood Sky Boy.

Both second and third place were also filled by Irish Sport Horses. Last year’s Burghley winner, Ballaghmor Class with Oliver Townend, finished as runner up this year and New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson and Swallow Springs finished third.

Alison Corbally, Horse Sport Ireland’s director of breeding and programmes, said: “Burghley as always was a really testing four-star course that brought stamina and soundness to the fore.

“We are thrilled to have not only the top three finishers as Irish Sport Horses, but also eight of the top 10 which really is a phenomenal result. All of the credit has to go to the Irish breeders around the country and I want to congratulate each and every one of them.”