JUMPING was the name of the game at Lisgarvan last Sunday, where both the show jumping and cross-country proved significantly influential. Clear rounds were paramount in both disciplines and, while the tracks were strong, they were certainly fair for the time of year and the underfoot conditions were superb.

With the national championships on the horizon, the team at Lisgarvan had stepped in to replace the meeting at Frankfort, and had done a fantastic job. Horses and riders appreciated the galloping tracks, as well as the use of the international jumping ring, and spacious and warm up areas.

Boosted by the young horse sectors, the classes were generally well-filled and, while the day opened with a modest field of seven in the EI110 (O), it was emphatically claimed from the front by young rider Eliza Jane Queally. A member of the European pony squad three years ago, Queally teamed up with the experienced Fernhill Inspector on whom she had been placed third at both Flowerhill and Frankfort in recent weeks.

On a mission to rack up their first win together, the pair led the field of seven from the front and, with a group of international riders in their wake, were never headed.

Now 14 years old, Fernhill Inspector began his career in England under Lucy Harley, before he was piloted to CCI3* level by Amanda Goldsbury. Queally took up the reins in 2023, slowly gaining her qualifications through the levels. This will be a rewarding win, as she was chased the whole way by Daniel Alderson who filled the next three placings with the clean jumping Luxys Time, as well as Elegant Philly and Hurricane Fly.

Alison Holden, who was the closest to Queally on the flat, picked up an uncharacteristic 40 penalties with Lates Eddie, while Ciara Power opted to retire with Stonehavens Dreaming.

EI 110

Although not emulating his Flowerhill double, Patrick Whelan landed a good win in the restricted division with new ride HSL Cantbetamed. One of only three pairings to complete on their first-phase score (29.0), the Co Wexford duo reversed placings with dressage leaders Sarah Kehoe and Dreampearl (27.3), leaving the locally-based John Tilley in third (Monbeg Crystal Clear).

“He’s a very good horse and one I think will go up the levels,” said a delighted Whelan. “He cruised round - the tracks were strong, but the ground was great and there was a good variety of everything.”

Owned by his breeders, Ann and Lisa Cash, the seven-year-old son of Luidam had formerly competed with junior rider Ava Kelly, under whom he had contested the young rider event horse class at the RDS this year.

Since the RDS however, the ride passed to Whelan who, in the space of six weeks, has clocked up two wins and a second placing from three runs. A tilt at the national championship 1.10m title is next on the cards, as well as a possible international trip to Bicton.

In second spot, Sarah Kehoe picked up another good placing with her smart seven-year-old Dreampearl who, although losing out on pole position after the show jumping, completed ahead of John Tilley, who was double clear with the consistent Monbeg Crystal Clear.