Biography

It is a first Badminton for Irish rider Ian Cassells (30) who is based in Newcastle near Dublin. In 2023 with Master Point Ian completed his first 5* at Pau and last year the combination completed both Luhmuhlen and Burghley.

In 2012 Ian was a member of the Irish Junior European team – in 2023 he competed at the Senior Europeans. In 2017 he graduated from University College Dublin with a Hons Degree in Agricultural science. Throughout his five years at college, Ian was captain and president of the UCD equestrian club and a member of Irish Universities Riding Clubs Association (IURCA) representing Europe and America. During this time within the association, Ian won the world finals twice individually and has also been a member of the Irish team that twice won this event. He was also awarded the   George Mernagh bursary, an annual bursary to support successful applicants in their chosen line of equestrianism. In 2020 he was Ireland’s leading rider.

For the last four years Ian has represented Ireland at the world young horse championships in Le Lions – gaining 5^th place in the 3* in 2022 and 10^th place last year with Inquisitor now with Heidi Coy. He runs his own yard and enjoys teaching.

Master Point (aka Duke) is a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse registered gelding. Bred by Bridget McGing he is by the thoroughbred Pointilliste out of a mare by Kings Master (by Master Imp). He has been produced by Ian since a four-year-old. In 2022 at Ballindenisk he was the winner of the 2*L and in 2022 the winner of the 3*L at the same event. Master Point is owned by his breeder. He contested and completed his first 5* at Pau in 2023.