Graham Quinn RIP

THE Irish hunting world were stunned this week with the sudden and unexpected passing of the popular equestrian Graham Quinn. Graham has been a regular follower of both the Ward Union Staghounds and the Fingal Harriers for many years. A winner of the Ward Union Members point-to-point for amateurs, he competed in the Ward Union Antler Challenge and was one of the main sponsors of the event. Graham was a talented soccer player and was invited to trial for teams in the past in Britain.

He is survived by his grieving family, his wide circle of friends and particularly by his partner and best pal Sharon. His funeral Mass took place on Friday in St Patricks Church in Skerries followed by burial in Ardla Cemetary.

Jimmy Cooke RIP

THE equestrian community was saddened to hear of the passing of Jimmy Cooke last Sunday, June 1st following a freak accident at his farm in Raharney, Co Westmeath. He was in his 93rd year but was active right to the end. Known and loved in the industry, Jimmy was remembered by many at last weekend’s Mullingar International Horse Show. Originally from Howth, he is best known in show jumping as the producer of Slievenamon, a prolific Puissance horse for Comdt John Ledingham in the 1980s. He was responsible for three horses competing on different teams in the Aga Khan Trophy at the Dublin Horse Show on the same day.

Jimmy was the beloved husband of Angela and loving father of Ray, Jimmy, Carol, Brenda, Michael, Noeleen and Kim. He was a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his wife and family, daughters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. His funeral Mass took place on Friday at the Church of St Columbanus in Ballivor. A full obituary will appear in a future edition.

AIRC Festival special offer

THE Association of Irish Riding Clubs’ 35th annual Festival takes place today and tomorrow, June 7th and 8th, at the Fagan family’s Mullingar Equestrian Centre. There are over 1,920 entries, an increase of nearly 240 on last year. The Irish Field will once again sponsor the dressage classes and will have a team on the ground offering a special subscription deal and competition.

Para equestrian in LA28

PARA equestrian dressage will be part of the competition at the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Paralympic Games. The para equestrian programme will consist of 11 medal events: individual championship and individual freestyle championship for Grades I, II, III, IV, and V as well as a team championship. Para Equestrian retains the 78 quota places it had in Paris in 2024. The LA28 Organising Committee also confirmed that Santa Anita Park will be the venue of the para equestrian events.

West Nile Virus awareness

THE Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a warning on West Nile Virus which is a notifiable disease in Ireland. West Nile Virus is not currently present in Ireland, but the risks associated with international equine movement and climate change make awareness of this disease essential. If you manage horses that travel to countries where the disease is present, speak to your vet about preventive measures, including vaccination. If you suspect a horse is infected with WNV, you should immediately notify your Regional Veterinary Office or the National Disease Emergency Hotline. See page 71 for more information on West Nile Virus.

Wachman brothers win

TIPPERARY’s Max Wachman and the 10-year-old stallion Fancy De Kergane helped St Tropez Pirates to victory in the Cannes leg of the Global Champions League on Thursday. They denied the home team Cannes Stars a win by just over a second in a nail-biting showdown to claim victory. Meanwhile in La Baule, Max’s younger brother Tom partnered Hawaii to victory in the CSIO5* 1.45m Prix Boss Equestrian on the same day. Tom was part of Michael Blake’s winning Nations Cup team on Friday alongside Bertram Allen, Seamus Hughes Kennedy and Cian O’Connor.

Rock N Roll Ter Putte sold

GREG Broderick’s Ballypatrick Stables has announced the sale of the eight-year-old stallion Rock N Roll Ter Putte. “He’s been with us at Ballypatrick since he was a foal and jumped his first 1.50m this year with Leah Stack,” Broderick said of the Diamant de Semilly entire . “He is a true gentleman of a horse that was an absolute favourite with everyone in the yard. As a sire his progeny are looking very promising. The oldest are four-year-olds olds now and showing all the right signs. We’re excited to see what they go on to do. We look forward to seeing him take the next step in his career to the top of the sport.”

Picture correction

AN incorrect caption appeared with the photograph of Brian Beggan’s retirement function in Pony Tales last week. Pictured with Brian was of course Helena Dawson, chair of the Fingal Harriers, who made a special presentation on the night.