THE opening qualifier of the Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series took place under blue skies at the Midleton Show last weekend. Judges Brendan Walsh (riding) and Michael Feeney (conformation) had a busy day in the heat, with a variety of heights and types coming in front of them.

There were familiar faces lining up in the Open category to try to get their ticket to the final at the Tattersalls July Show. Following up a third placing in the Riding Horse class earlier in the day, Creggs Cross and Claire Connors took the win and their place in the final. Initially pulled in to second place, Connors was beaming when moved up following the judge’s ride and conformation. Connors noted: “I literally found Creggs Cross on my doorstep. My sister Rosemary trained him for Kate McMahon when point-to-pointing, prior to winning the Novice Racehorse class on him at the Midleton Show, when he made his debut in the show ring. I am enjoying his showing career, but I am hearing he has a good jump too!” To round off a wonderful day, the son of Ocovango got the judge’s nod to stand Riding Horse Champion of the show.

Standing second on the day was Chloe Ahern with Salseros, yet another graduate of point-to-point racing. The 11-year-old French-bred gelding last ran in February 2025. “My dad, Garrett, trained Salseros and my brother Josh had his first point-to-point winner on him here at Ballindenisk,” explained Ahern. “It was fabulous to win the Riding Horse class with him earlier today and now he is taking me to the final at the Tattersalls Show in July. He is a real family horse.”

Making the long journey from Co Meath, the new partnership of Jenny Murphy and Darver Star took the yellow ribbon. This combination had an important role at the Breeze Up sales the previous week, as lead horse for the two-year-olds on the Fairyhouse racetrack, guiding them to the start of their breeze.

With the first and second placed qualified for the final at the Tattersalls Show on July 25th, the next qualifier in the series takes place at Raheendaw Horse and Pony Show on May 31st. Full details of the series can be found at www.treoeile.com.