Better late than Latta

In 2024, Lucy and RCA Patron Saint enjoyed a spectacular Badminton debut when they rose from 36^th place after dressage to take second spot. They were due to make their Defender Burghley debut 12 months ago, but “Paddy” suffered a bout of colic after travelling over from Ireland and had to be withdrawn. Then, at Badminton this year, Lucy was forced to pull out after the gelding cut himself at home just days before the event.

“It’s been a horrible 18 months, so I’m just delighted to be here,” said the Co Wexford-based rider after her dressage test on Thursday. “He’s feeling great, he’s fully fit and he’s ready for his favourite day on Saturday.”

Paddy is a British-bred 14-year-old gelding who is owned by Leslie Crampton. Lucy teamed up with him at the end of 2017 and has produced him herself through the grades.

“He's not the quickest horse, but he's basically been five-star fit four times in the last two years, so even though this is only his second five-star start, he’s been ready to run for a long time,” she explained.

Lucy is an anomaly at the elite level. She only has Paddy to compete internationally and she juggles five-star eventing with a full-time job as a brand manager for a soft drinks company.

“I love eventing, it’s my absolute passion, but I wouldn’t change what I do,” she said. “Working outside of horses helps keep everything in perspective, especially when things don’t go your way, so it’s a nice balance.”

Lucy’s endeavours are a real family effort. Her cousins are prolific five-star rider Elizabeth Power (Esib) and former top National Hunt jockey Robbie Power.

“I have a lot of support to make sure things like this can happen,” she continued. “I do all my gallop and fitness work on Esib’s gallops.”

Of Saturday’s cross-country test Lucy added: “It’s one hell of a track and the time will be hugely influential. Sometimes, at this level, you need a little bit of luck on your side, but we’ll be giving it our best shot.”