THE Kildare Performance Hunter Show, now in its second year, took place at Punchestown racecourse last Saturday where the show committee and the fence sponsors did an exceptional job on designing and building a course which was a truly fair representation of the wide range of obstacles encountered on a day’s hunting.

The event opener was the hunter class where 54 horse and rider combinations took part. The class was judged by the three-man panel of Ado Moran, huntsman of the Carlow Farmers, PJ Casey, producer of show horses, and Lt Col Tom Freyne, master of the Tipperary Foxhounds.

Fence 10, a 1.05m hedge with a 3ft-wide ditch on the far side served its purpose in separating out the main contenders with just eight horses progressing through to the final round of judging.

Spectators were treated to a hunting masterclass as all three judges sat up on their chosen eight to get a proper feel for the horses. After putting the final line-up through their paces, the judges announced Diarmuid Ryan and Eddard C (ISH) as their champion. Just a four-year-old, the striking chesnut gelding by Crosstown Pride (ID) out of Sea Banks Sissi (ISH) had a faultless round, but it was his exceptional temperament that really impressed the judges.

“This horse showed great maturity,” said Freyne. “He epitomises the Irish horse, a lovely attitude, nice to ride and a beautiful type – I have to thank the owners for letting us ride their horses, it was a pleasure.”

It was a day to remember for Joey and Emma Moore, the owners of both first and second in the hunter class. Jamie Reynolds Moore and Black Dawn Boy (RID), again just a four-year-old, took the runner-up spot having put in a foot-perfect round representing the Fingal Harriers. The Moores picked up an extra prize for Black Dawn Boy’s performance as the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association sponsored a special prize for the highest placed Irish Draught in each class.

Third in the hunter class was Jill Magan aboard Seechaune Star (ISH), fourth was Niamh O’Connor Barry riding Walter Mitty (ISH) and in fifth place was Suzanne Macken riding It’s Smoothie (ISH).

LADY LEGENDS

In the much anticipated side saddle class, nine brave ladies took on the challenge, spearheaded by the legendary Jonah Wragg, riding Adrian Burrell’s six-year-old mare Old Boley Princess (ISH) (by Ghareeb out of Old Boley Lass).

Riding judge Maria McNamara, member of the Galway Blazers and North Galways, and Carmel Lawlor, former master of the Kildare Foxhounds, commented that it was extremely difficult to separate the top two - Wragg followed by Sarah Conway with OLS Flying Vision. Conway and Ralph, as he is affectionately known, were fearless across the country but ultimately had to settle for second place.

Third in the class were Niamh Drea and Paddy (ISH), while Helen Keatley and Crossgales Silver (RID) took fourth but also picked up the special prize for highest placed Irish Draught horse. Fifth was Linda Gillespe riding Colin Barrett’s Summer Bridge Jordan (RID).

Sarah Conway and OLS Flying Vision take on the stud rails and double ditch at the Kildare Hunt Club Performance Hunter Show 2017

CREAM OF THE CROP

The final event of the day, the Huntsman class, drew a huge crowd of spectators. Twenty-six of Britain and Ireland’s hunting elite took on the challenging track. Of the 26 starters, six were called back after jumping clear, for the judges’ inspection - five Irish Sport Horses and one Registered Irish Draught.

It was a home victory for the Kildare Foxhounds as their own Basil Valentine took the top honours. Timmy, a 13-year-old gelding, showed his experience and this couldn’t be overlooked by the judges. In second place was Padraic Behan with the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse Pilot (by Puissance). Third was William McMahon and Gleann Rua Hitchcock (RID). Fourth deservedly went to Heather Moodie and Harbour Boy (ISH), representing the Heathrop Hunt, fifth was Diarmuid Ryan, winner of the hunter class, riding Clonleigh and sixth went to class-sponsor, Tom Berney riding Ollie.

Jockey Paul Carberry, representing the Ward Union Hunt, aboard Charlie in the Huntsman class at the Kildare Hunt Club Performance Hunter Show 2017

Helen Keatley and Crossgales Silver Diamond the best placed Irish Draught in the side saddle class at the Kildare Hunt Club Performance Hunter Show being presented their prize by the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association

The Irish Field's Leanne O'Sullivan in front of a 6ft hedge which was part of the Huntsmans' course at the Kildare Performance Hunter Show