THE latest qualifier in the Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series took place at Nugentstown Horse and Country Fair last weekend. Under the watchful eyes of judges Denis O’Regan and Cian Collins, 15 thoroughbreds were put through their paces in a bid to earn their place at the final in August.
In the Novice section, Sophia Mohammed and her seven-year-old gelding by Anjaal were victorious. Bred by Coneen Stud, the gelding ran 26 times when trained by Darren Bunyan, getting his nose in front on just one occasion.
“I got him three years ago when I was 13 and we have just done lots of unaffiliated competitions, this is our first season of showing as I’m only just old enough to do it now!” said a delighted Mohammed. “Boe is a funny character but he’s just a pleasure to have and just takes it all in his stride!”
Katie Peate and Cracking Time were runner-up in the class, also earning their spot in the final. Peate is the assistant Stud Manager at Bert House Stud and recently was awarded the Best Newcomer Award at the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards for her work. “It was only his second show so I’m delighted! He is the funniest character and a complete baby, but he’s got the dust off my own boots and we’re learning about all this showing stuff together,” said Peate after the class. “He only finished racing late last year so he got a couple of months off for a break and I’ve just taken my time with him.”
Sophia Mohammed amd Brokers Tip won the novice Racehorse to Riding Horse class at Nugentstown Horse and Country Fair \ Sagittarian Photography
A lovely gift
In the Open division, Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River made a worthwhile start to his Irish trip by winning under Emily McMahon. Native River has been gifted to Tom Malone to live out his retirement and has been competing on the UK showing circuit to date.
McMahon has quietly been planting the seed with Malone about the possibility of him competing at the Dublin Horse Show and this spring her wish was granted with the horse arriving at Emily’s yard in recent weeks. “He’s an incredible horse and is such a gentleman but he does have his quirks - one of which is being caught in the field,” said McMahon.
“He’s a credit to everyone who has produced him as they’ve looked after him and enjoyed him!”
Taking second place in the class was a familiar horse on the circuit, Masterson, ridden by Sharon Carolan. The grey gelding is a real family horse as he is shared with her daughter Emma Jo and husband Nigel. This weekend sees the next qualifier hosted by Tattersalls July Show, with the last qualifier taking place at Castleblayney Show on August 4th.