WHEN John Kidd planned the mating of his Montekin mare Iveagh Country with the Monsun stallion September Storm, who was then standing at the Kidds’ Ballyash Stud, if the word ‘National’ popped into his mind at all, John might have envisaged the resultant produce charging down to the first at Aintree, Fairyhouse or Downpatrick.

Disappointingly for the breeder, the colt didn’t sell at the sales as a foal in 2010 and was purchased privately by Georgia Stubington (née Mackean) and her daughter Lucca who had hoped to use him as a stallion. At four they gelded him as he hadn’t grown that much.

He’s a tall enough horse now and, named Quingenti, won the TopSpec novice title at the Eventing Ireland national championships at Kilguilkey House in Mallow last weekend.

“I don’t know what Sean Kinsella, who has September Storm now would say, but I think it’s great for these thoroughbred horses who either aren’t quick enough to race or have finished racing that they can have a second career,” said John. “The September Storms seem to have the jump and temperament to do that job and I’m delighted for Georgie that the horse has worked out so well.”

The name Quingenti is registered for the gelding with Weatherbys but the Stubingtons registered him as a non-thoroughbred for a much-reduced fee. Had he turned out to be suitable for the track, it would then just be a matter of paying the full registration fee.

Never having raced has worked in the eight-year-old’s favour as he hadn’t developed the difficult to change habit of dragging his hind legs over hurdles and fences, and he claimed the championship on Sunday with a very good show jumping round.

Among those delighted to see the horse win was Co Tipperary event rider Luke Coen who was working with the Stubingtons during the summer but has now returned to college. Luke is a brother of apprentice Ben Coen.

Chances are that Quingenti is finished for the season and Lucca has mapped out the one-star class at the Tattersalls Ireland International horse trials next year as his main target for the spring. Unless he is sold of course that is!