THERE was a disappointing turn-out for the spring show jumping show run by Dundalk Riding Club at Kernan EC on Sunday, especially as the North East Region’s Horseware team championship qualifier takes place at the Crossmaglen venue next Sunday and that points were on offer for the new regional rider awards.

However, those who competed over the James Kernan-built track were delighted to have done so, especially those who won prizes sponsored by Horseware Ireland. Club members put in a hard day’s work as did locally-based judge, Gerry Thompson.

The best-supported class was the Intermediate where 21 combinations started. Here, the winner was Laura Finnegan of the Border Counties Club who rode her 16-year-old Redhouse Condor gelding Greenacres Buddy L’Rue. Mullaghmore’s Pamela Steenson finished second on Golden Bready, a seven-year-old mare by Templebready Fear Bui with whom she had a good early season campaign.

Gap Of The North’s Andrew Rafferty claimed the honours in the 11-runner Advanced Intermediate section riding his 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding Rubis Du Bisson. The bay, who Rafferty also competes under Showjumping Ireland rules, is by Helios de la Cour. Members of Drynam filled the next four places headed by Carmel Seaver on her 15-year-old bay gelding Floodys Bill.

Riding her 14-year-old bay gelding Glassavilawn Misty, Copperfield’s Hannah Webster fared best of the quartet who contested the Advanced Primary class while Ard Lu’s Emma McTaggart saw off her sole rival to claim the honours at Primary level with her nine-year-old grey gelding Pimms Darling. Castle Leslie’s Dawn Clerkin, riding her 15-year-old Sea Captain mare The Sailors Girl, recorded an uncontested success in the Open.

There is an opportunity for riders to pick up regional dressage points at tomorrow’s Kilronan Summer Show where Derby jumping and showing classes are also on the schedule.