Without sponsors, great events like this one simply wouldn't happen, so as supporters of Equestrian sport make sure you make the sponsors your first port of call if their product or service is one you require - and let them know that you are at their door because of their sponsorship!
The Trainers notes quoted here are by William Micklem and we thank him for the intelligent comments which bring to life for or readers the course and the tactics required to successfully negotiate Tommy Brennan's course at Punchestown.

Above Left and Right: Leslie Law (GBR) and Shear L'Eau came into Cross Country sitting in 12th spot after Dressage and were looking for an improver and improve they did. Leslie Law finished individually in 4th position and was in the Gold Medal winning Team for GBR taking out the 2003 European Championship title.

This combination finished the Cross Country with no penalties and then went into the showjumping arena with GBR having four fences in hand.

Left: That moment of "balance" begs the question of "just how tough are these event horses?" to be able to balance on their toe at the moment of take off without causing untold damage shows just how tough these horses are.

In the showjumping this combination had just the one fence down clinching the Gold medal for Britain.
Left and far Left: Dolf Desmedt (BEL) and his 11 year old gelding, Bold Action certainly showed how bold they both were out on Cross Country
today as they appeared to confident and comfortable on their way around. They were lying in 31st spot provisionally after Dressage but on the final score sheet they were placed 21st and could have been higher had their showjumping not left them with 12 faults after what could only be described as a "not so easy round"! Dolf is a member of the Belgium team who have now secured one of the final three team places available for Athens 2004 so they will be pleased.

Above Left and Right: Fence 5 The Book of Kells - not sure this was the "ideal" way to jump it but it came off and that is what counts.

The Book of Kells had a difficulty rating of 7 so it was no "walk in the park" so early in the course. This fence represents the Book of Kells which date from 800AD and is one of the most beautifully illustrated manuscripts anywhere in the world. It contains the four gospels, written inLatin and accompanied by the most incredibly intricate whole pages of decoration. The Book of Kells is on permanent exhibition at Trinity College in Dublin and a "must see" on any visitors list of things to see when visiting Ireland.
Left: The final fence on course and it must be a relief to riders to see this one as they know they are home safe and sound. The final fence Glenalogh Round Tower is sponsored by Failte Ireland and is an exact half scale model of the round tower at St Kevin's Church built in the 11th century, which is still in existence today. The Tower has always been used as a place of meditation. The stone wall to the left of the replica tower is now used as one of the fences for the famous La Touche Race at Punchestown Festival meeting in April each year - and this is yet another

great idea for any visitors to Ireland - if you love horses, fun, music and general celebrations the April in Punchestown is the place to visit - the Punchestown Festival rivals Australia's famous Spring Racing Carnival (which includes the Melbourne Cup race) for the fun and excitement of racing and all the eating, drinking and partying which goes with the Sport of Kings - so put that on your tourist list if visiting Ireland next year.

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