Pony Club race at Leopardstown

TEN young riders, representing seven Branches of the Irish Pony Club, will be galloping up the Leopardstown straight before the first official race at the south Co Dublin track tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon. The 10, who have all undergone training at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) in Kildare with Aine O’Connor (jockey coaching programme overseer and one of Ireland’s leading amateur jockeys), will line up for their four and a half-furlong race at 1.20pm.

The Carlow Branch will be represented by Rosie Fitzgerald, Eliza Kavanagh and Cillian Tobin, while members of the Bray Branch will be cheering on Lily Maloney and Mark O’Leary. Also due to start are Senan Farrell (Laois), Ben Kenny (Newcastle Lyons), Isabelle McKeever (Louth), Laragh Molloy (Shillelagh) and Christopher Pugh (Kildare).

Farewell to Balou du Rouet

SCHOCKEMÖHLE Stud this week announced the passing of the great stallion Balou du Rouet at the age of 27. By the legendary Baloubet du Rouet, who Rodrigo Pessoa partnered to Olympic gold and World Cup final victories among others, Balou achieved big success as a young horse in Germany.

He won the finals of the Bundeschampionate before focusing on stallion duties. Announcing the news, Schockemöhle said: “He was in the best shape, always up for fun and we cherished every single moment with him. His iconic face was as unique as his unforgettable character - both of which he passed on to his countless world-class offspring. Ranked among the best show jumping (15th) and eventing (31st) sires in the world (WBFSH), his legacy is written into the history of modern sport.”

Among his many top performing progeny are Steve Guerdat’s Biance, Laura Kraut’s Baloutinue and Darragh Kenny’s Babalou.

MacGuinness second in France

CO Louth’s Tom MacGuinness finished an impressive runner-up in the endurance CEI1* 100 in Lignières, France last weekend.

The 74-year-old, who founded Horseware Ireland and has represented Ireland at world and European level, is again aiming to return to the FEI world championship in Butheeb, UAE, from December 14th-20th. He was riding Horseware HLM Fontana and finished just three minutes behind French winner Thomas Crisnaire.

Also, in the sport of endurance, the FEI has announced the appointment of Rocío Echeverri McCandless (CRC) as its new Director Endurance. Rocío Echeverri McCandless brings extensive experience in equestrian sport, combining in-depth technical expertise as an athlete, official and administrator with a strong background in sports governance and executive leadership.

She was President of the Costa Rican Equestrian Federation from 2016 to 2020 and subsequently served as its Secretary General until 2024.

CPBS welcomes General Manager

THE Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS) have announced Amanda Uí Dubháin as the new General Manager at the society. “We look forward to working with Amanda and wish her all the very best as she takes on this new chapter with the Society.”