The opening event at the International Bromont ended on Thursday with an excellent performance from the Irish riders, who took four of the five top places of the 44 horse and rider pairs participating.

FEI4* American course designer Anthony d’Ambrosio set up a course that had 12 obstacles for 14 efforts, including two double combinations. The course, featuring broken lines and tight turns, required control and attention as well as precision from the riders.  

The time allowed of 71 seconds in the first round presented an additional difficulty, as nearly half the participants were unable to execute their round within the set time.

Seventeen riders successfully qualified for the jump-off in this 1.50m class with 16 finally taking part. The time to beat was established by Christine McCrea, on her mount Jasmin, with a double clear in 43.35 seconds. However, American rider Andrew Kocher was the one who overtook her on Kahlua stopping the clock at 39.10 seconds. Irishman Conor Swail, on Domino van de Valhoeve, got close to the time, but not close enough, with 39.73 seconds, and they were the top two in the standings.

Captain Brian Cournane came out in the ring with Armik, a 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Armitage x Rikina II) and went all-in to finish in a time of almost one second ahead of Kocher, taking the lead and winning the class.