THE Reape brothers from Co Sligo, dominated the Young Riders National Championship in the Simmonscourt Arena on Friday afternoon with Senan and Paddy Reape claiming the top two places in the Young Riders 1.35m–1.40m National Championship, which was sponsored by Fair-Share ESG Ltd.

Against a strong field of 15 starters, the brothers delivered clear rounds to book their place in the six way jump-off and an outstanding performance from them ensured the championship trophy and the reserve title went to Sligo.

It has been a great month for the Reape family as Paddy Reape played a vital role in the Irish Junior team claiming the gold medal in the recent European Championships and Senan claiming the Millstreet Grand two-star Grand Prix with Creevagh Special.

First of the Reape brothers to take it on was Paddy with Mr Rocky Blue, setting the time to beat of 33.79 seconds. While the track offered opportunities to make up time throughout, the key to staying in contention was taking the inside line in front of fence nine - the orange oxer leading into the third-last vertical a route most riders opted for.

European Champion Emily Moloney was first to go with her European Championship mount Temple Alice. Moloney’s talent was clear to see as she took it in her stride and delivered a clear in 34.90 which would see her take fourth place.

Next up, Annie Boland and Calisto Blanc rounded delivered a steady double clear in 38.32 seconds, which would later see her take fifth place.

Fresh from a very successful Millstreet, Katie Nallon had her eye on a win and a gallant attempt with Cw Luiboutain saw her take third, crossing the line in 34.72 seconds

Last to go with the ever-consistent Creevagh Special, Senan Reape negotiated a very tight turn to fence three and took the necessary inside line at fence nine and galloped home, stopping the clock in a time of 32.48 seconds to take the title and in the process demote his brother Paddy into second. Creevagh Special is owned by Jonathan Reape and was bred by the late Ronnie Hollinger. She is a 15-year-old mare by Camiro De Haar Z. The combination was certainly on form as they also won the qualifier round in the Main Arena.

Annie Boland and Calisto Blanc rounded out the top five with a steady double clear in 38.32 seconds.

European Pony Champion, Cian McMunn and Lisboy Emerald looked on track for a strong finish but eight faults in 37.15 seconds, pushed them down the leaderboard and would see them take sixth place.