JOANNE Quirke had just the one ride at last week’s Balmoral Show and made it count when partnering Helen Cooke’s traditionally-bred Irish Sport Horse gelding Kiltealy Grey to victory in the North Down Marquees ladies’ astride championship.

Winner of the six-year-old and upwards class, the 2019 Kiltealy Silver bay was bred in Co Wexford by J.J. Bowe out of Kiltealy Kay (by Kiltealy Spring). He is owned by Quirke’s Co Meath neighbour Helen Cooke who hopes to qualify him herself for the ladies’ side saddle class at Dublin and has two chances to do so over the weekend of June 14th (Armagh) and 15th (Athlone).

Kiltealy Grey finished second at the RDS last August when ridden by Rachel Rooney who, last Thursday week, stood reserve to Quirke on David Sloan’s home-bred four and five-year-old astride class winner, Drumlane Last Dance. The four-year-old is by Je t’Aime Flamenco out of Drumlane Rose (by Cavaliere).

Delighted with her win, Quirke was also pleased to see three of her pupils, Ella Moore plus sisters Nancy and Maggi Caffrey, finish in the placings in their respective classes.

The ladies’ astride section was judged by Denise Colebrooke (conformation) and Amy Kinane (ride) who, later on Thursday also took charge of the Botanica International Balmoral Classic ladies’ side saddle class.

Their winner was the Irish Draught mare Calagy Day In May who was ridden by Katie Crozier for Deborah Burns. A seven-year-old daughter of Kilmovee White Heather, the grey is out of the Coolcronan Wood mare May Day Lady and was bred in Co Roscommon by Mark Hester.

Suzanne McClean finished second with the 2023 winner LC Lion King who she owns with husband Gareth. Another Irish Draught, this Edwin McLoughlin-bred chesnut is by Supreme Ginger out of Darragh Drumri (by Drumri).