Dateline: Monday 7th May, 2007 - Coilog Equestrian Centre, Kilmeague, County Kildare

With the weather being a major talking point in Ireland it was definitely being discussed in disparaging terms this weekend at Coilog in Kilmeague, County Kildare - it lashed rain and everyone suffered the high winds which made it difficult to keep the fences in place!

It was not however doom and gloom, as Chris Byrne and his crew of wonder staff had the place alive with atmosphere and plenty of places to escape the rain, wind and cold. There was the indoor restaurant which gave perfect viewing of the warm up arena for the main ring and there was the under cover marquee area which saw chefs cooking up gourmet burgers, kebabs and topping it all off with fabulous salads - and all done with a smile and a welcome. We also had a wonderful live traditional Irish band playing traditional music throughout the day!

The shy Hutchinson brother, Jack, - pictured left with daughter Lisa,- begged the paparazzi to let them have some privacy!

Lisa was starting in todays Grand Prix and as always had a big smile on her face, especially when Jack was up to his usual mischief.

Course Designer, Killian Clarke has become a favourite amongst the jumpers - and not because he builds easy tracks, but because he is approachable prior to the class beginning and riders know that they can discuss the track with him and get sensible answers to their queries about "this turn or that approach". Killian - pictured above left and right - had his work cut out for him today with the wind being his greatest enemy, blowing fences down, in some cases, quicker than they could put them up.

Forty eight combinations lined up for starters orders today in the Grand prix which was won in 2006 by Greg Broderick, who returned this week to try and take the title again. This event in 2006 was in fact Greg's first National Grand Prix win.

Of the forty-eight starters, twenty-one combinations went through to the 8 fence jump off course. No particular fences caused more issues than others on this windswept track today. KIllian included in his track the open water with a rail on top again and this is an excelelnt opportunity for horses to get used to this fence which is one they will face many times when they hit International shows.