Sunny start to the outdoor season

In perfect spring weather, Ciaran kicked off the first of three competition weeks at the Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera in southern Spain last Thursday. On the very first day of competition, he delivered clear rounds with Casalla Blue PS, Dynar, and Zados R. The 10-year-old Casalla Blue PS also remained clear in her 1.40m class on Thursday. The 8-year-old Little Special in Red M was likewise clear in her first class on Thursday and secured a placing in the 1.35m competition.

In Thursday’s first ranking class (1.45m), Ciaran entered the ring with Dynar. The pair produced a fast and clear round and ultimately had to concede victory only to Britain’s Matthew Sampson aboard Latte Macchiato, finishing in second place.

Friday began for Ciaran with a Youngster Tour class for 6-year-old horses. Competing with Zados R, he delivered a fast, clear round in phase two, and the pair from Riesenbeck secured seventh place. Megalon K also claimed third place in a two-phase class over 1.45m with two clear phases and a fast time.

In the Youngster Tour Final for 6-year-old horses, Zados R impressed once again. A fast and clear round earned the Zinedream offspring fifth place. Alibaba by Aganix du Seigneur also showed a beautiful and quick round in the final, but a rail down at fence seven dropped the pair to twelfth place in the standings.

In the Grand Prix, Ciaran opted for Casalla Blue PS, who had already delivered two clear rounds during the week. However, a late rail in the course meant they narrowly missed out on the jump-off for victory, which ultimately went to Ireland’s Marta Hughes-Bravo riding HHS Figero.

The first classes of the second week in Spain begin for Ciaran as early as Tuesday, while James will be competing simultaneously at the CSI3* in Herning.