The Amateur National outdoor Championships which was held in Mullingar at the end of August, proved to be another successful championship for all involved. Once again numbers were up on last years figures and Mullingar’s equestrian centre facilities was fully utilised for the event. There was a great variety of classes on the cards, and a equal mix of A and AA riders flocked to the championships to try their hand over the two days of jumping.  With three championships, A Leddy Grand Prix and the final of the Farmers Journal League scheduled, it was a weekend not to be missed.

Activities kicked off early on Saturday morning, with Aileen O’Connor and her home bred Coolrua, taking the honours in this thrilling class. This was the start of a sensational weekend for this combination, as their performance earned them the title of Amateur A Champion.

Taking second place was Gary Higgins riding WCE Irish, while in third was Alastair Wilson and Harley Dee. Wilson’s placing, along with the win in the 90cm class, aboard Fiona Craig’s, Leitrim First and Final, was enough to secure the overall amateur championship title for the Antrim native.

The Amateur Speed Derby attracted a sizable entry. After 63 combinations putting in a great attempt, it was the AA riders who dominated the line-up, accounting for the first three places. Taking the honours was Martin Wilson riding the 14-year-old Database, clear in 82.60. Michael McAleese riding his own The Sweeper clocked 87.21, which proved good enough for the runner-up spot. Taking third place was Mary Barrett and Cullina Diamond Dubh, clear in 88.23.

The final of the Farmers Journal League, attracted a large following of spectators. Emerging victorious, was Horsewear Ireland’s Tom Mcguinness, riding his own Dunsoghly Foxy. The pairing set off in a blistering pace and crossed the line in 33.13, with nothing to add.

Galway based, Adrian Kelly delivered the next fastest clear in 36.07 to take second. In third place was Elaine Howard aboard Kereen, in a time of 36.47.

Despite the bad weather, spectators remained until late on Sunday evening, to watch the Christy Murphy sponsored, Leddy Grand Prix. Martin Wilson was back in the winner’s enclosure, as he clocked the winning time aboard the dependable Database. The duo’s success did not stop there, as they went on to claim the Amateur Speed Champion, to add to the family’s remarkable weekend.

Edna Travers was the only A rider to deliver a clear round and, this impressive performance saw him take the red rosette in the A section. Joe Clinton, riding Sky Starlet proved out of luck when coming home with just one time-fault to take the runner-up spot. While in third place were Joanne Penfold and King Cruise, with four faults.

Conor Drain (Left) was the big winner of the weekend when taking the €10,000 Pegus Horse Feeds and Tiffen Developments Young Rider Final with Shanroe Penny.

The annual ShowjumpingIreland Pony and Young Rider National Championships proved as popular as ever in Mullingar last weekend; with over one thousand competitors taking part in Friday’s qualifying classes. Competitors, who failed to qualify on Friday, had the opportunity to try again in Saturday’s qualifying rounds.

On Saturday afternoon, our top young riders were in action in the well supported Pegus Horse Feeds/Tiffen Developments Young Rider Final. This competition is Europe’s largest Young Riders prize fund boasting a massive €10,000 for the class and was run over three rounds.

Taking the honours in this hard-fought class was, Conor Drain riding Anthony Smyth’s Dutch Bred Shanroe Penny.

Ballina native, Alex Duffy took the runner-up spot with Tampa, and recorded the only other treble clear round. Third place went to Aidan Killeen riding the Irish bred Du Noble.

Sundays Championships finals began early with, both pony and young riders battling it out in a bid to land the championships titles.

In the Young Rider Arena on Sunday, Shane Goggins riding Colm Flaherty’s Hollies Girls took the 1.10 metre title.  The 1.20 metre Championship went to Eric Glynn on board Illy De Quincy. Later that day, fourteen year-old, Michael Duffy riding Sligo Saddlery Killard Horizon, put in a great performance to take the 1.30 metre title. In the final championship, the 1 metre, Lydia Borgsteijn riding her own Orinoco Flow took the honours.

In the main sand arena, the pony championships got underway early, to accommodate the full schedule of class’ on the program. Spectators were kept on the edge of their seats as they watched our pony riders put in their best performances.  The first championship (128.1.10m) went to Ellen Sweetnam on board The little Hero.    

Following this, the 138 1.20 proved equally as competitive with, seven combinations going through to the timed round. Jordan Kilkenny riding Shirley Smith’s  Drumaclan Flight, delivered the fastest double clear to land the 138 (1.20m) Championship.

Madeline Roberts Allen was in top form as she claimed the winning rosette in the 6,7/ Old Starfinder with, Wayne Santry’s Garryndruig Gold Digger and, third place with Santry’s Garryndruig Silver.

The final Championship, the 148 (1.30m) was claimed by the ever consistent Jordan Coyle riding Barbara O’Reilly-Hyland’s Rock Dee Jay.

PONY RIDERS TAKE AIM AT BANTEER FOLLOWING PENULTIMATE LEG OF PONY PREMIER

Tom Foley (Left) was the winner of the 148 division of the Pony Premier League at Mullingar

There was great competition in Mullingar today (Sunday) as Pony riders battled it out for the €1000 euro prize fund on offer in each division of the popular Premier Series. Riders were keen to clock up valuable points as they head to the final round of the league in Banteer on the 30th August.

In the 128 division a total of thirty -one riders went to post, with this number being reduced to twelve in the second round and eight in the final round. Taking the honours was Tyrone native, Kerri Mc Ivor on board Diane McIvor’s, Mickybo. This pairing came home with a clean sheet in a time of 27.45.  Kerrie, who was second to go in the timed round, snatched the lead from the ever consistent, Lucy Latta.  Lucy, on board Yvonne Latta’s Glenkeen Irish Pride, came home with a clean sheet in a time of 28.49 to finish in eventual third place. This Wexford native also claimed seventh place on Yvonne Latta’s, Wyndham Tom Thumb. The pairing was unlucky to have an error at the second last in a time 28.61.

Taking the runner-up spot was Tim Macdonagh on board Jackie Lee’s, Rotherwood Dinky Toy. Tim left nothing to chance in the timed round and a clear in a time of 27.57 was good enough to keep him on the top end of the 128 leader board. Tim is continuing with his good show of form, as he also took the winner’s rosette last weekend in Coilog, riding Jackie Lee’s, Wohld Copper.

It was a Wexford victory in the 138 division, with Bertram Allen taking the honours on board Ballywalter Farms, Fountain Ranger.  This rider delivered the only two clear rounds in the seven way jump-off. Third to go in the timed round, Bertram delivered the first clear in a time of 34.75 on his first mount, Fountain Ranger to secure first place. The Enniscorthy native, was last to go on Lough Gill, and once again he delivered a clear round in a time of 43.27, which was good enough for second place. This same combination also took the class in Coilog the week before. Victory in the league look’s imminent for Bertram, as he now tops leader board with 63 points.

Fellow Wexford native Paraic Kenny, riding Ellen Kenny’s Woodfield Superstar, set off at a blistering pace. However, an error at the Kia fence in a fast time of 31.58, and was good enough to take third place in the final line-up.
Clare native Tom Foley, continued his good show of form as he took his second consecutive win in the 148 division on board Michael Foley’s, Dibidoe. Tom delivered the only triple clear round of the class in a time of 44.08.

From a strong start-list of 37 combinations, a total of three riders on double clears made it through to the timed round. However, with the two other riders opting to withdraw from the third round, the final placing’s where decided on the second round score.  Emily Turlington on Lawrence Patterson’s, Sambo Lino took second place when she recorded a double clear in 42.09. In third place, also on a double clear round was Alexandra Buller on Vina Buller’s Kadia Mouche, crossing the line in 43.98.

PONY RIDERS COME TO COILOG IN FORCE

Bertram Allen and Lough Gill (Left) was a winner for the fifth time on the Premier Pony Circuit when winning the Coilog 138 Premier Pony Grand Prix

Pony riders where out in force today (Sunday) at Coilog Equestrian in Naas Co. Kildare. Riders were keen to notch up some valuable points, as they head towards the penultimate round of the Pony Premier Series in Mullingar at the end of the month. All three Premier Pony classes were fiercely contested as riders battled it out for their share €1000 prize fund on offer in each division. The Pony Premier series is run over 9 rounds and is sponsored by, HSI, O’ Brien Saddlery and the four SJI Regions. 

In the first class, the ‘128 Pony Premier Series’, sponsored by Coilog Equestrain, a total of ten riders, from a field of 31 went through to the second round. This number was further reduced to just seven combinations in the final round.

Victory in this division went to Galway rider, Tim Macdonagh. Riding Jackie Lee’s, Wohld Copper, this pair was the quickest of five clear rounds from a seven way jump- off.  Tim, set off in a blister pace and proved unbeatable with a clear in a time of 35.43.

Kerri Mc Ivor riding Diane Mcivor, Mickybo put in a great round but failed to take the lead coming home clear in 36.17, which was good enough for the runner-up Spot.

In third place, was Wexford Rider Lucy Allen on board Ballywalter Farms, Lurgan Daragh. This pairing took all the tight lines and delivered a clear round in a time of 43.72.

In the 138 division, a total of nine combinations made it to the second round from a field of 29.
Eight pony -and-rider combinations went forward to take on Killian Clarke’s Jump-off course. Taking the honours in this division was Bertram Allen on board Ballywalter Farms Lough Gill. This Wexford rider cut all corners to delivered the fastest clear of the class, stopping the clock at 35.11.

Eoin Mc Mahon riding Kathleen Mcmillan  Bric A Brac, put in a strong round, keeping all fences intact in a time of 37.78 to claim second place, while Emma O Dwyer on board Joanne O'Dwyer’s Hopala also came home clear, but was fractions slower in a time of 38.97 to take third place.

Victory in the well-supported 148 division went to Tom Foley on board Michael Foley Dibidoe, when he delivered a clear round in 39.36

Taking second place was Neil Maguire on- board Walter Reape’s Papillon Rr, who also delivered a foot perfect clear in a time of 44.07.

Maynooth based, Hayley Dunne fresh from her international duties put in a great attempt on board her mother’s Deirdre, Kiltormer Grey. Hayley looked on target to take the class but a knock at the last in a time of 37.19 left this combination in eventual third.

DUNNE MAKING A MARK AT HOME AND ABROAD

Hayley Dunne (Left) on her way to winning the Louth County Premier Pony Grand Prix on Kiltormer Grey

Kildare rider Hayley Dunne is clocking up some impressive results at home and abroad. She is a major contender in the Pony Premier League and she recorded numerous placing’s while away with the Irish Squad last earlier in June.

Maynooth based Dunne, Kick- started her travels in Fontainebleau, where she was placed in two of the small tour classes and claimed third place in the main Grand Prix with Frère Jacques. On her return to home soil, she won the Louth Premier League on Kiltormer grey and was placed fourth on Frère Jacques. 

This month (June) in Moorsele in Belgium, Hayley took second place in two of the small tour classes with each of the ponies and also took second place in one of the big tour classes with Frère Jacques.  The following weekend in Wierden Holland, Hayley won two of the small tour classes with Frère Jacques and also took sixth place in the main Grand Prix with kiltormer grey.

Leinster Region PRO Emer Bermingham 087-2047476

LEINSTER RIDERS MAKE INTERNATIONAL MARK

Irish riders continued with this good show of form in Madrid 5* star event over the weekend.  Kilkenny-born Marion Hughes made her mark on the result sheet as she claimed fifth place in the final line up last Friday in the two-phase 1.40, onboard the eight-year-old Irish bred mare, ‘HHS Fortunus’. This same combination also claimed third spot in the 1.40 class on Saturday when she finished just a fraction slower behind Thomas Fruhmann riding ‘Rescue me’.

On Sunday, Hughes was once again in the ribbons, as she claimed third place in the first class of the day with on Miguel Maria Bravo's Irish bred ‘HHS Cashmere’. Hughes kept the pressure on in the next class, the ‘Hit and Hurry’ 1.40 and her efforts paid off as she once again claimed third place, this time with HHS Fortunus.
 

SWAIL ANNOUNCED AS TEAM MEMBER FOR LISBON

Conor Swail and Gold Digger (Left) will form part of next week's team in Lisbon

THE Irish Show Jumping team to compete at the Nations' Cup in Lisbon, Portugal next weekend has been named by Horse Sport Ireland’s Show Jumping Team Manager Robert Splaine. Taking his place along with Alex Duffy, David Quigley, David Simpson, is Malahide based, Conor Swail.

Swail will be riding Glen Leddy’s 9- year-old son of Calvados, ‘Gold Digger’. This pairing is fresh from a successful outing at Balmoral where they claimed the Vodafone Grand Prix on the final day. Swail notched up some impressive results in Balmoral and went on to be crowned Top International Rider and Speed Champion of the Show. 

ONE FOR THE LADIES AT MULLINGAR INTERNATIONAL SHOW

Equestrianlife.ie is pleased to announce that they will be sponsoring the popular ‘1.20m Ladies Class’ at the Mullingar International Show. It is expected that this ladies class will prove a real hit with both local and national riders. ‘Arena Products’ will present a hamper, consisting of all the latest showing products to the leading rider of the class in the final on Monday.

“Equestrianlife.ie is delighted to be associated with such high profile event as the Mullingar International Show. We are particularly interested in the ladies class as we feel that there are so many talented ladies riders competing at home and abroad. We hope that our contribution will go towards helping develop this great sport” said Simon Garvey, Managing Director.  

Also presenting a hamper and champagne to the winning lady rider on the day is Arena Products. Arena Products, supply of a full range of showing products to assist you on show day. The range includes the highlighter for muzzle and ears, super plus shampoo, super white shampoo, show shine and finishing touch. These unique products are distributed in Ireland by Alpha Equestrian.

www.equestrianlife.ie is a unique equestrian online site offering horse lovers a huge and exciting range of well known brands, from riding wear to tack & stable equipment, at competitive prices. The current product range includes GPA, Charles Owen, Carr & Day & Martin, Equetech, Nutriscience and many more, including the recent addition of customised jackets from RH Mears.
 

O'CONNOR OFF THE MARK IN SPAIN

Kildare rider Cian O'Connor got the 5* Madrid show off to the perfect start by taking Thursday's Grand Prix qualifier with Stephen O'Connor and Castlemartin Stud's Complete.

The 11 year old Danish bred gelding beat off Olympic Champion Hickstead and Eric Lamaze to take the 1.50m class.  They beat Lamaze and host of other formidable opponents by almost a second and a half to put himself firmly in line for a shot a Grand Prix title later in the weekend.

This result followed on from the Kildare rider's clear round in the opening Meydan Nations Cup at La Baule and are being rested from next week's second leg before returning for St. Gallen

LOCAL PONY SHOWJUMPERS OUT IN FORCE IN BARNADOWN

Wexford native Grace Allen (Left) has had recorded results in the Pony Premier so far this year

Local pony riders proved to be a dominant force in the third leg of the Pony Premier Series in Barnadown. All three
Premier Pony classes were fiercely contested as riders battled it out for their share €1000 prize fund on offer in each division.

Victory in the 128 division went to northern rider Aoife Mc Donagh.  Riding William Mccloskey’s Little Ceaser, the pair was the quickest of six clear rounds from a 7 way jump- off. 

Enniscorthy rider Lucy Latta, riding her mothers Wyndham Tom Thumb shared the runner- up spot with Niall Dalton on board Richard Dalton’s, Some Journey. Latta picked up another eight points today, which is enough to keep her top of the leader board going into the next round in Milchem. This young rider was also in the ribbons in the other arena as she claimed the 128 class on ‘Glenkeen Irish Pride’.

In the 138 division it was Cork Rider, Molly O’ Shea on board Susan O’Shea’s ‘Creative Dancer’ who set the standard. This combination, delivered a clear in a time of 43.46 which was good enough to take victory in this division.

Taking the runner- up spot was yet another local rider from Cranford, this time it was the chance of Padraic Kenny on Ellen Kenny’s, Woodfield Superstar. Kenny who was last to go in the jump- off completed the round with just one error in a time of 47.40.   Padraic Kenny had just come from the other ring where he had beaten off the opposition to claim the 138 class. Also in this line-up was Bertram Allen from Enniscorthy, who shared equal third.

Local rider, Grace Allen riding Ballywalter Farms, ‘Scarletts Billy the Kid’ put in a stunning performance, but with a total of eight faults in a time of 46.70, left this combination in eventual third.

Barnadown Equestrian Shop which is the sole distributor of the LAS XT helmet presented a helmet to the winning rider in each of the Premier Grand prix classes.

Leinster Region PRO Emer Bermingham 087-2047476

Killkenny based Julie Pratt was out in force last weekend at the Pony of the Year show at Towerlands in England with four ponies from her Stable of ''Who's'' ponies.

Stable rider Oliver Giles was on board all four ponies as they scooped up several prizes on the weekend including a big win in the The Independent Asset Management Pony JC Grand Prix with Who's Little Lux.

The Owner and rider combination also had another high place with Ostara's Umberto who took 4th in The AJ Walter Aviation Pony Introductory Grand Prix.  This was a great result for this stable and with a good season ahead planned, the succes should continue.