Tattersalls Ireland/Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series

THE first of eight qualifiers in the Tattersalls Ireland/Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series for former racehorses, took place last Saturday at the Sceilig Showing Festival, Co Cork. The thoroughbreds entered in the classes were required to demonstrate good movement, rideability and correct conformation, ultimately highlighting how well they have transitioned from racehorse to a riding horse.

A lovely selection of former racehorses came under the watchful eye of judges Aubrey Chapman and Polly Holohan in the Novice section. Horses are not required to be ridden by the judge in this class, rather the riders perform an individual show.

Standing top of the line was the winner of the 2017 Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown Gold Cups, Sizing John, formerly trained by Jessica Harrington. Availing of an opening in her racing commitments, Kate Harrington travelled the 13-year-old from Kildare to make a winning debut in the show ring. Kate was first to acknowledge how professional the Tattersalls graduate was in this new environment and a foot-perfect performance saw the partnership also take the Ridden Horse Championship.

In second place was another first-timer in the show ring, four-time track winner Loaded, ridden by his owner/breeder Alice Fitzgerald. The 10-year-old by Kodiac topped his session at the Tattersalls Yearling Sales before embarking on a successful racing career in England and Hong Kong. In a wonderful story, Alice organised his return to Ireland to retire and Saturday’s performance would indicate that a second career is well underway.

The first three places highlighted how successfully well seasoned racehorses adjust, with the 15-year-old Dark Outsider and Jennifer Murphy taking the yellow ribbon. The Indian Danehill gelding was trained by James Daniel Dullea, winning six of his 38 runs over fences.

The former charge of trainer Henry de Bromhead, Hit The Tar, and Vincent Phelan won the Open class, following up on an earlier win in the Riding Horse class. The 10-year-old by Shirocco is very consistent in the show ring for Vincent, winning a qualifier and coming third in the 2022 Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series.

The blue ribbon went to Maria Blomen and her lovely grey My Lord Marty. The 15-year-old former point-to-pointer stood ahead of Dark Outsider, who availed of the two classes on the day.

The first and second-placed horses have booked their tickets to the final of the Tattersalls Ireland/Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series at the Royal Meath Show on September 3rd.