Sally Parkyn
REBECCA Coonan and Jantar posted a smart seasonal hat-trick when they landed the CNCJ* from the front (31.5). Never looking like surrendering their early advantage, the duo completed six marks ahead of Julia Crowe, who, aboard the diminutive Castlequarter Rambo, delivered the only other clear round (37.5). Co Wexford’s Joanne Corish also went well, but with one show jump on the floor, slipped to third with the thoroughbred Shuil Coillte.
The CNCP**, which initially opened with three runners, became further depleted when dressage leader Zara Burke-Ott withdrew before the show jumping.
Harry Swan (Villa Prince) was left to go head to head with Kate Lenihan (Ballinaclough Blue Star), but when the latter parted company in the show jumping, Swan landed his first two-star victory unchallenged.
Another to head the leaderboard for the first time was the EI100P winner Lauren Andrews.
Leading the field of 10 from the front, Andrews and Cloud Nine produced one of four double clears to better Richard Quirke (Cullion Kamira), as well as Annalise Cullen with AC Remus.
In the EI100J, reigning national champions Cameron Kieran Jnr and Fernhill Nearly Darc notched-up another win (27.8) at the level when they pipped Arianne Finlay and Eluna. The latter, who had campaigned in England under Kiwi rider Neill Spratt, led the dressage (27.0) but was demoted when dislodging two rails in an influential show jumping phase. Kiernan’s clean round sealed victory, while staying in dressage order, Rebecca Coonan (Painted Lady), who also rolled a pole, finished third (35.0).
It was good to see two full sections of EI100 classes, and equally so to note them headed by some of the younger contenders. First up was Co Wicklow producer Gilly Crawford, who landed the A sector with Calliaghstown Silver Doolin by Silver Banner (25.0). As his prefix suggests, the seven-year-old was bred by Grainne Sugars, and was sourced from Cavan sales three years ago.
The rider has produced him quietly since then, and intends to contest the national championships at Tattersalls this weekend.
The following placings went largely in first phase order, with Felicity Ward close in second with the consistent Master Swatch (27.0), from Fraser Duffy aboard Carol Gee’s five-year-old Fernhill Lets Face It.
In the similarly sized second division, Jennifer Saunders’ Cooley Monsoon racked up his third win from four runs. Delivering a Crecora double for Cooley Farms, the Bethany Burton-ridden son of Ramiro B led from pillar to post, completing on his opening score of 23.5.
The Tom Byrne-bred eight-year-old usually competes on the English circuit, but with regular rider Piggy French side-lined with new baby Max, he has been clocking up some useful mileage here.
Always playing catch-up but only one mark adrift, Luke Drea filled second aboard Una O’Gorman’s home-bred Ballylinan Black Beauty (by Passion) on 24.8 from third-placed Alison Holden (Pirates Rock).
While five of the 30 runners in the EI90 encountered problems in the country, the track proved straightforward for the majority. Isabella Hughes emerged as the front-running victor with the 13-year-old Lyleview On Time (by Goodtimes), from Co Wexford traveller David Richards and Rosalind Devereux’s Barnaby Princess.
This was the first time that Richards had teamed up with the Barnaby Flight-sired five-year-old (bred by John and Julia Crosbie), who had caught the eye in the Stepping Stones series earlier this year.
Another new partnership to impress was that of the EI90P winners Caoimhe Collery and Harper Seven. Formerly ridden by April O’Neill, the gelding produced one of only two double clears, to head Hannah Sheehy (Poulayne Eddie) and Ruth McDonald (Magic Millie).