THE first leg of the Kavanagh’s of Newbridge Spring Dressage league was held by Killcarrick Riding Club at Punchestown last weekend, where both competitors and volunteers experienced four seasons in one day.

The advanced primary class was the first to get under way and judge Marie Quinlan Pluck had Greenhills RC Niamh Campbell on Kiltykeevagh Rose as her winner, just pipping her clubmate Leanne O’Shea at the post and they were closely followed by Trish Carey of Killcarrick. There was only 1.5% difference between these three riders.

The largest class of the day was the Intermediate division, judged by Claire Fitzsimmons. In another closely-fought contest, the winner here was equine veterinary nurse Mary Wade on Lily for Dunbyrne RC. Fiona Doggett from Cill Dara RC was second and Sorcha O’Loughlin from Phoenix RC was third.

The primary class was won by host club member Elodie Ratou with 70% on the lovely cob Garfield and they were clear of Tara Ashe, Clare Treacy and Olga Levis, all from Winterdown RC.

Only two riders came forward for the advanced intermediate and both were from Calliaghstown RC. Margo Monaghan rode Samar to win by a margin of 1% from Marianne Murphy on Roxy.

The sportsmans class attracted six entries and it was veteran campaigner Let’s Go Fresco who belied his 23 years to head the class. Ridden by Lynne Dempsey, it was the pair’s first outing together since May last year. His owner Gemma Cash (nee Wyer) in Australia was reportedly delighted with the result. Susanne Francke was second for Celbridge on Minnie Ha Ha and Cill Dara member Verity O’Mahony took the third spot.

The open class drew four competitors but was hotly contested. On her debut at open level, Lorna Keogh (Greenhills RC) rode Kilmac Z to draw with the consistent performer Sarah Quaid of Cill Dara RC on Riverstown Express; both riders finishing on 65.78%.

Sheila Fuller took third place on 64.42% with the 19-year-old gelding Zaristo and Deirdre Kane posted 63.59% on Mighty Clever to finish fourth for her club Greenhills RC.