Nicholas Power RIP

NICHOLAS (Nicky) Power of Sarsfield Crescent, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, and formerly of Broadway, Co Wexford passed away at Blackrock Hospice on October 28th and will be greatly missed by his wife Detta; daughters Regina and Deirdre; sons Shane and Fergal; grandchildren, family and friends.

A former Garda and Ballinasloe Court clerk, Nicholas had a lifelong love of horses, hunting, showing and racing. He was instrumental in organising the Horse of the Fair competitions during the Ballinasloe Fair and was a successful exhibitor, winning nationwide. More Power (competed by the late Billy Connors for owner George Chapman) and his own Dunlo Nugent (jumped by Shane Breen and Edward Doyle) were two of the show jumping horses owned by Nicholas. Requiem Mass was held in St Michael’s Church, Ballinasloe, last Saturday, and he was laid to rest in Our Lady’s Island Cemetery in Broadway the following day.

Ken Bolton RIP

A SERVICE was held for Ken Bolton on Thursday, November 5th, following his peaceful passing at Antrim Area Hospital, surrounded by his family. He will be deeply missed by his loving family; partner Mildred, children Kelda (Joseph), Karla (Clive), Paul (Davina) and Kendra (Kevin) and their mother Norma, grandchildren, siblings and many friends.

Ken had a long dedication to breeding, owning and producing many top-level show jumping and eventing horses. The Tullylagan Branch of the Pony Club left this tribute to him: “Ken was a much-loved and familiar face at Tullylagan over the years, and his exceptional knowledge, skill and ability to bring out the very best in riders and their ponies were admired and appreciated by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Ken will be fondly remembered and his contribution to the equestrian community will not be forgotten.”

HSI update doping violation list

HORSE Sport Ireland has published a table of cases of doping/controlled medication rule violations for the period of January 1st up to September 30th, 2026. During this time, the Equine Anti-Doping Programme conducted 300 tests, resulting in 12 cases of prohibited substances, all arising from controlled medications. Four of those cases involve minors, all under ShowJumping Ireland rules, and therefore are not published. The eight cases published are: Dara McLoone’s Limoncello Hilliere who tested positive for meloxicam at the Horse Sport Ireland stallion inspections in March and the outcome is the inspection result is null and void; Mark Cleary’s Martello Remix (Hydrochlorothiazide) at the Meadows in April; Louise Lyons’ Clandeboye (Acepromazine) at Balmoral Show in May; Fionnuala Lennon’s Tallyho Maguire (Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone) at Mullingar EC in June; Katy Croke’s Skylow (Meloxicam) at Grove in June; William McMahon’s Gleann Rua Friend (Diazepam) at Tattersalls July Show in July; Lauren Dempsey’s GHS Springsteen (Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenbutazone) at Tattersalls in July; Nicola Perrin’s Ballarin Bellissimo (Diazepam and Oxazepam) at the Dublin Horse Show in August. The outcome for the last seven named is disqualification from the event with prizes forfeited, a fine of €1,000 and costs of €500.

Donnelly to host performance clinics

IN anticipation of RDS Performance qualifiers in the spring, experienced coach Toni Donnelly is running a series of performance clinics. These sessions will be suitable for all riders, but will include advanced sessions for those aiming for Connemara or Irish Draught Performance qualifiers prior to the NI Festival, Balmoral and Dublin. The clinics will kick off at Emerald Equestrian Centre in Co Meath on Saturday, November 21st, followed by a number of dates at The Meadows, Lurgan on December 27th and 30th, January 2nd, 9th, 17th and 31st and February 7th and 18th. Next up will be Castle Irvine, Necarne on February 21st, with the series concluding at Mullingar on February 28th. For more information or to book, contact Toni on +44 (0) 7764 786500.