Irish riders well placed

AT time of print, Aoife Clark was the leading Irish rider in the Defender CCI4*-L at Bramham International Horse Trials in 19th on 33.5 penalties after dressage riding Full Monty De Lacense. Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis were the leading Irish pair in the CCI4*-S in eighth on 30.3, with Padraig McCarthy on MGH Zabaione in tenth on 30.9. A report on the event will appear in next week’s edition.

Irish eye Derby prize

NEXT week’s Al Shira’aa Derby at Hickstead could be a most competitive renewal, with the 2023 and 2024 champions both returning.Ireland’s David Simpson was an impressive winner in 2023 with the talented Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve. William Funnell is also back with Dublon, on whom he won in 2024 and came runner-up in 2023.

Shane Breen, who is based at Hickstead Place, will also feature. Breen won the 60th Al Shira’aa Derby with Can Ya Makan in 2022. In last year’s class, he jumped a superb clear on Fanfan De Beaufour, but picked up a couple of time penalties to keep him out of the jump-off.

This year’s class takes place on Sunday, June 21st. ClipMyHorse.TV will be livestreaming the action throughout the event.

Clifden Pony Show

entries are now open

ENTRIES are now open for the 101st Annual Connemara Pony Show, Clifden, which will be held from August 18th-21st at the Clifden Showgrounds, Co Galway.

A major highlight for 2026 is the announcement that the Show will offer its biggest prize fund ever, made possible through increased support from Horse Sport Ireland. Several new developments will feature in the 2026 programme. On Thursday, August 20th, classes will run across both Ring 1 and Ring 2, allowing for an expanded and more efficient schedule of ridden competition.

On Friday, August 21st, the Show will introduce a new Performance Derby aimed at young riders.

Entries can now be made online at itsplainsailing.com/org/cpsc. Competitors are strongly encouraged to carefully review the Show Schedule and Rules before submitting entries (connemaraponyshow.ie/the-show). Entries close on July 7th, 2026. For questions or entry queries, please contact: kathryn@connemaraponyshow.ie

HSH Double Sixteen strikes

CONGRATULATIONS to the connections of HSH Double Sixteen, after he secured the biggest victory of his career to date in the CCI4*-L at Mars Bromont CCI. A graduate of the Tattersalls sales ring, the son of Robin des Pres (FR) made three starts on the racecourse before embarking on an eventing career. He went on to win the Thoroughbred Stepping Stones to Success League in 2020, and had an impressive Eventing Ireland career with Leila Barker that included a top-10 finish in the Coral Cove CCIYH2*-S at Millstreet International Horse Trials before beginning the next chapter of his story in the United States. Under Caroline Pamukcu, he delivered a landmark performance to claim his first CCI4*-L victory.

Entries now open for Killyleagh Show

ENTRIES have just opened for Killyleagh Show, which is due to be held on Saturday, June 27th at 32-34 Ringdufferin Road, Toye, Killyleagh, BT30 9PH, by kind permission of Amanda Torrens.

There is a full schedule of equestrian classes, including ridden horses and ponies, working hunter horses and ponies, show jumping and, for the non-horsey members of the family there will be Hobby Horse classes and a dog show. The show’s chosen charity again this year is Chest Heart and Stroke.

The show jumping course is being provided by Mossvale Showjumps Ltd, with Raymond Jess as course builder, while Gransha Equestrian Centre will provide the working hunter fences, with Adrienne Stuart building the course. Trophies, prizes and rosettes are up for grabs in the various classes.

The schedule and pre-entries are available via itsplainsailing.com/org/killyleagh and close on Wednesday, June 24th. Entries will also be taken on the day, cash only, at £18.

Thoroughbred polo performance day

TREO Eile is on the countdown to its Thoroughbred polo performance day on Friday, June 26th at the All-Ireland Polo Club. Competitors will present a freestyle performance for the judges to demonstrate the techniques, skills and attributes they have developed through their retraining journey, highlighting the qualities that make a successful polo pony.

With €1,000 awarded to the best performing Thoroughbred in each class, the competition offers not only significant prize money, but also an opportunity to promote the remarkable potential of the Thoroughbred beyond the racetrack. To enter, visit https://www.itsplainsailing.com/org/te

Correction

IN our coverage of the Millstreet International Horse Trials two weeks ago, it was incorrectly reported that Bridget McGing was the owner of BT Just Special, who won the CCI 2*YH with Ian Cassells. Bridget Speirs is in fact the very proud owner and breeder of this horse, who was produced for her as a young horse by Diarmuid Ryan. We apologise for the error.

NutriScience sponsor Dungarvan Show

NUTRISCIENCE Equine have announced their sponsorship and the relaunch of the Amateur Grand Prix at this year’s Dungarvan Show. The show is taking place on Sunday, July 12th, with a new format designed to elevate both the standard of competition and the overall rider experience.

NutriScience Equine will provide a prize fund worth over €500 for the Amateur Grand Prix, one of the standout competitions of the day.

A newly-scheduled afternoon time slot has been introduced at the show this year, as part of the relaunch that has been strategically designed to improve class flow and enhance spectator engagement. This refined format marks an important development for the Amateur Grand Prix, further strengthening its position as a highlight of Dungarvan Show.

Further details on the show are available on www.dungarvanshow.ie