INNISHANNON’s Stella McGrath, a former member of the Carbery Pony Club, became the first lady to partner a winner this season when landing the ladies’ open at Dromahane on Mountain Lough.

The 9/4 favourite is trained for Michelle Archdeacon by her husband Louis for whom Stella rides out before spending two days working for Jim Dullea. “I’d ride out for anyone who wanted me,” said the 19-year-old who is in her third season in point-to-points.

“I love riding in the points but I’m not great at just watching so, if I didn’t have a ride at a meeting, I’d probably go hunting or on a fun ride. I’ve taken out a handler’s licence as well and have a couple to train at home belonging to my mother Jackie. She also owns Eala Beg, who I won on last season, but she is going to stay with Louis as he trained her since we got her.

“I was delighted with the way things went last season and would hope to do as well, if not better. I’d love to win the ladies’ championship and I very much hope to get back on the international ladies’ team. I finished fourth in the ladies’ race at Chaddesley Corbett in May and would love to represent Ireland again this season.”