Joseph Murphy was “really happy” after helping Ireland to a solid start that left them fifth of 11 teams in the European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle, Scotland, yesterday.

Sam Watson is as confident as the capricious sport of eventing will allow that he will give a good account of himself when defending his CIC three-star title at Camphire International Horse Trials this weekend.

Tipperary rider Trevor Breen won the Hickstead Derby for the second year in a row yesterday, describing it as “surreal”, after posting the only clear round from 37 starters.

The flags of five countries will fly at Ballindenisk Horse Trials next week, as the Cork venue continues to build on its stature.

CORK’S Billy Twomey rode Romanov II to seventh place in the second leg of the Rolex World Cup Series in Helsinki, Finland yesterday.