Victory for Irish
Ireland’s Michelle Kenny claims first win in England
IRISH rider Michelle Kenny scored her first win on English soil — and her first international success since her days in juniors — in the CIC* at Firle Place.
Michelle, 27, moved to her new base near Crowborough in Sussex two months ago, and this was an excellent way to make her mark on the local eventing scene.
She won the class on RLE Nuans T Volt, a six-year-old by T Is Voltaire out of a thoroughbred mare. She also finished fourth on the Ars Vivendi son RLE Cavalier Vivendi — the only horse to finish on his dressage score (53.1).
“They are exceptional horses — it’s hard to find quality like these two,” said Michelle, who combines eventing with showjumping. “They both showjumped abroad up to 1.30m last winter and started eventing this year.”
Liz Halliday-Sharp led the dressage (44) on Cooley Quicksilver, but a showjump down and cross-country timefaults left her third. Michelle slipped ahead, scoring 48.9 in the dressage, showjumping clear and collecting just 1.6 time-faults.
“The cross-country was lovely and educational with lots of variety, and the ground was mega,” she said.
Second was Lucy Goodey, who was just two seconds over the time on Ballybolger Mischief.
This was Firle’s first year under the management of Stuart Buntine’s BEDE Events, and there were some layout changes.
“We couldn’t rehash the whole layout in one year and I am aware there was a small compromise as to the dressage [which resulted in a less than ideal warm-up area], but we are halfway through our plans and there will be more changes next year,” said Stuart.
“I’m excited about the event — it has so much potential.”