IRELAND’S eventing team competing in next week’s European Championships has been dealt a severe blow with the withdrawal of Lieutenant Geoff Curran following an injury to Balladeer Alfred.

Owner David Johnson could not hide his frustration as Contraband produced a lacklustre performance on his return from injury at Kempton to leave his Paddy Power Gold Cup hopes in tatters.

VENETIA WILLIAMS hopes to strike while the iron is hot with Jolly Boy after the lightly-raced six-year-old comfortably lumped a 7lb penalty to victory at Fontwell yesterday.

LORD OF THE HILL maintained the fine run of form of local trainer Heather Dalton’s horses when winning for the second time in four days.