THE inaugural Ballymacad Performance Hunter Show took place last Sunday and, according to hunt chairman Ken Farrelly, it could become a permanent fixture.

“After the great day had today, I think it will become an annual event,” he said. “We also have to thank the Donohue family for providing the perfect venue.”

He gave credit to all of the sponsors on the day who made the event possible and as one of the show organisers, Glenn Farrell Walker, added: “We are so lucky to have such great supporters and sponsors. This event will give producers a venue to showcase the Irish Hunter and Sport Horse. There have been 14 horses sold here today pending vetting.” Buyers from Holland and the UK were spotted taking notes at the Oldcastle, County Meath, venue.

Lovely lad

The first class of the day was for four and five-year-olds and was run over a good strong track. Diarmuid Ryan rode the beautiful Irish Draught Cummermore Lad into the top spot, whilst also riding the Traditional Irish Horse, The Robin, into second. By coincidence, Cummermore Lad is owned by Dermot Molloy, who himself took third place in the Ballymacad similar Hunter Competition at Sallymount many years ago. Third in the first class was five-year-old Paulank Miracle Road, who is by Road to Happiness, owned and ridden by Susan McDonald.

The second class, for novice hunters, saw the judges call back seven horses to the ring for further inspection of conformation by Patricia Hoey and for a test by ride judge PJ Casey. The Irish Draught Mr Strong, ridden by Kevin Donohue and owned by Ballymacad Whip Maurice Quinn and his wife, hunt secretary Rachel Gilsenan, took the honours. Rachel Finnegan riding her own RID Jack took the second spot. The next two horses couldn’t be split, so in joint third place were Ri Othello, owned by Rosemary Hynes and given a lovely ride by Grace Lumley, and the nice little horse Socks and Sandals, owned and ridden by Rosemary Wentges.

Open class

The last judged class of the day was the open. The course was a proper test of hunter with a nice couple of ditches and banks and also allowed riders to open out between fences showing good scope when applicable. Once again, Diarmuid Ryan came out on top with The Robin. West Roc, owned and ridden by Karl Smyth, was second, with Huntsman of the Leitrim Harriers James Mee taking third with his own horse Boxer.

The horses placed first and second in the first three classes were called back to the arena to contest the championship, which resulted in the Bobby Farrell Memorial Trophy being presented to Mya O’Toole’s The Robin, with Diarmuid Ryan’s second ride, Cummermore Lad, taking the Reserve.

A huge number of younger riders and less experienced partnerships took part in the four Sportsman classes in the afternoon, which ranged from 75cm to 1m over different variations of the course, giving everyone the chance to experience the competition. All in all, there were classes to suit everyone, so onwards and upwards to 2026.