Ireland’s Austin O’Connor steals the sunshine and goes into the lead at Tatts

Ireland’s Austin O’Connor riding Kilpatrick Knight in top position at Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland

The sun beamed down in tropic-like weather as Ireland’s Austin O’Connor took the lead in the George Mernagh Memorial CIC3* Class riding Kilpatrick Knight, who was making his fifth appearance at Tattersalls International Horse Trials and finished the dressage phase on a score of 42.30. Hot on his heals was fellow Irish rider Jonty Evans who lies in second place riding Cooley Rorkes Drift on 43.30 and Tattersalls first timer Padraig McCarthy, also representing Ireland, lying in third spot with his horse Bernadette Utopia on 44.30.

It’s a common theme at Tattersalls that a good dressage phase is vital to be a contender. In the CIC3* the past four winners all came from the top two places after dressage. Currently Austin O’Connor & Jonty Evans from Ireland are in those places, both hoping to help their Rio claim. The top two Irish combinations from the George Mernagh Memorial CIC3* in previous years, have both gone on to contest the Olympic Games for Ireland when previously used as a trial run, so spectators can expect Olympic fever to kick-off over the next couple of days.

Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair continues tomorrow, Saturday 4 June and concludes on Sunday 5 June. There is plenty of action for all the family over the weekend with a free Kids Zone, Tractor Ted, over 100 shopping outlets and food to make your mouth water.

Gates open at 8.30am and admission is taken on the gate.

For more information including ticket prices see www.tatts.ie, Twitter: @TATTS2016 or like Tatts on Facebook.