FRESH from two thrilling qualifiers in Simmonscourt, the pony riders were the first to take to the main arena at the Dublin Horse Show last Friday, ready to contest for Ireland’s most prestigious North Star pony championship title, a crown previously claimed by many of the country’s finest show jumping stars.

First into the arena were 14 qualified 138cm combinations, each with a win in mind and seven booked their place in a jump-off against the clock. It was a nailing biting jump-off with the top three finishers coming home within 36 seconds of each other. The Foley family are no strangers to success at the Dublin Horse Show, and this year Harvey Oscar Foley added to the record sheet by claiming the first title of the day. Second last to go, he partnered Miriam O’Donnell’s Mayfly Green Peter to a flawless round, stopping the clock at 35.66 seconds. It was a case of history repeating itself as just three years earlier, in 2022, Ruben Foley had won the same title on Mayfly Green Peter.

Ella Rush and Shadow Dash set the time to beat when they lodged a clear in 35.68, but would have to settle for the reserve title. Next up, Mille Jeffers put in a great attempt with Blackwood Killamaster and came home clear in 35.78 which would see her take eventual third. Georgia de Bromhead and Sparkling Boomastasia took fourth place with a clear in 37.24.

Defending champions Cliodhna McEvoy’s hopes of victory took an early blow when she faulted at the strategically placed first fence, just past the entrance to the pocket, with Etoile Des Chesnaies. Undeterred, she pressed on at a blistering pace, stopping the clock in 34.05 seconds to finish as the fastest of the four-faulters and secure fifth place.

All eyes were on last to go, Ben O’ Connor and Solea, but four faults at the second part of the double in a time of 46.05 meant they had to contend with sixth place. Cathal McKeon Devaney and Cornhill Snowey incurred four faults at the water tray and their time of 46.05 saw them take seventh place.

Harvey Oscar Foley and Mayfly Green Peter won the 138cm final at Dublin Horse Show \ Laurence Dunne Jumpinaction.net

148cm championship

The 148cm championship that followed proved every bit as nail-biting, with all 14 qualified combinations rising to the occasion in the Main Arena. In an excellent display of horsemanship, the top four finishers delivered flawless rounds, each stopping the clock in under 36 seconds. It was another title for the Foley family as Ruben led the victory lap aboard the Quidam Junior-sired mare Wineport Q Junior. Fourth to go in the six way-jump-off, Foley negotiated a very tight line to fence two and then on to the double, maintaining this strong pace saw him stop the clock clear in 35.66 seconds. This combination was part of Denis Flannelly’s team that took silver at the European Championships last month.

Fellow European team member and defending RDS champions Lilly Tunney and Fireman wasted no time in a bid to reclaim the title. The pairing got a great turn to the North Star vertical and a daring gallop home, saw them cross the line in 35.32 to temporarily take the lead but later third place. Next to go, another European team member, Sam Widger and Western Ranger took a series of good turns and a clear in 34.78 saw them claim the reserve title. Georgia de Bromhead had the difficult task of going first with Shamrock Du Gite, but she answered all the questions skilfully and came home clear in 35.78 for eventual fourth. All eyes were set on the European bronze medallist, Charlie Flynn, as he took it on with Montana. The Tipperary rider was up on target until four faults at the last in 32.90 saw him take fifth place. Josephine Nell and Luitta saw their hopes of a title dashed when they faulted at the first and their time of 39.65 saw them take sixth.

128cm

Taking place after the Aga Khan, 18 combinations took to the main arena to contest the 128cm championship and five booked their place against the clock. Taking this prestigious title was Ben O’Connor and The Million Dollar Baby when they produced the only double clear in a time of 38.47 seconds.

Delighted with the win, Ben O’Connor said: “Winning at Dublin Horse Show is like a dream come true. Thanks to my brilliant pony and to everyone that helps me. For it all to come together in Dublin in front of such an incredible crowd, is just something that I will never forget.”

Ben O'Connor and The Million Dollar Baby, winners of the 128 cm final at the Dublin Horse Show \ Laurence Dunne jumpinaction.net

Annie Hughes Kennedy and Hes a Touch Of Magic had four faults at the third last vertical and their time of 37.95 saw them take the reserve title. Fellow Kilkenny rider Taylor O’Neill and Bronheulog Limited Edition had four faults at the same fence but their time of 41.12 would see them take third.

Chloe Clarke and Brandon Reepicheep finished on 12 faults in 39.47 for eventual fourth. Problems on the course saw Josh Fitzgerald and Creevelea Midnight Radar ruled out of contention and as a result had to settle for fifth place. Hannah Horan and Neary Perfect was fastest of the four faulters in the first round in 67.77 for sixth place.