It’s been two great weekends on the trot for Ros – last weekend she married long-term partner Chris McAleese and this weekend she posted wins at both 3*S and 4*S.
Izilot DHI (pictured) led the 4*S from pillar to post, his second 4* win on the trot, thanks to a stunning 20.5 dressage performance to which he added just 1.6 time penalties. Ros admits that in the past ‘Isaac’ has been a bit spooky at brush fences with angles. “If his first thought is, ‘that’s not a jump’, he can fly off in the wrong direction.
“Today he was just really logical about everything. He’s honest, he wants to jump the jumps – it’s just making sure his mind is working alongside me; that’s always been the challenge. He’s brave as a lion – he’s just got a very sharp flight response.
“Looking at the start list, I wouldn’t have put my name and his at the top of it this weekend, although I know he’s capable of beating the best. We’re not in a hurry – it’s all about doing the right thing with him, but I think he could be a medal-winner for his country one day.”
Cooley Copresenter, a relatively new ride for Ros, won the 3*S, climbing up from third after dressage with a smart double clear just over the optimum time across country.
“We’ve been slowly getting to know each other, and this is the first time I have run him competitively,” Ros said. “He’s a lovely horse; a really genuine, happy character and he’s getting better and better.”
Final ride of the event for Ros was Parklodge Side By Side who was contesting her first international, the 2*S. She scored a good 25.0 dressage mark, and jumped a double clear – unfortunately a tack malfunction (a rein came off the bit on the cross country!) cost them second place while Ros got things sorted.
Regarding her wedding Ros explained: “I think Chris booked the church before he asked me to marry him. He knew if he didn’t tie a date down, it would never happen.
“We had a fantastic day. We did manage one night away together the day after. We are going to have a good family holiday with our daughter Ziggy at the end of the season.”