RENOWNED as one of the most inviting and challenging tracks on the circuit, the colourful working hunter course at Killusty, complete with its traditional bank, continues to provide competitors with an ideal outing on the road to the RDS.

The novice working hunter pony championship was contested in memory of the late Bill Holohan, with the Bill Holohan memorial cup presented by his son, Pat. Championship honours went to Louise Lyons’ Buachaill Buí, ridden by Nancy Lyons Teehan, while Winnie Shanahan’s MF Izzadora, partnered by Clodagh Shanahan Rice, took the reserve title.

Generously sponsored by Coolmore Stud, the open working hunter pony championship produced another thrilling contest. Trish O’Donnell’s Cluainin Spring Johnson, ridden by Judy O’Donnell, emerged as champion, securing the prestigious Judy Butler Perpetual Cup. Standing reserve, following a closely-fought championship, was Eoin Donnelly’s Tinraher Aggie, ridden by Lucy Donnelly. The novice Connemara working hunter pony class attracted an impressive entry of 11, highlighting the strength of the section. Sacha Maxwell’s home-bred Gleann Mór Abhainn, ridden by Shannon Sheridan, produced a standout performance to take the class honours. In the open Connemara working hunter pony championship, Lucy Kelly’s Garvagh Moonlight Boy, ridden by Tristan Kelly, impressed the judges to claim the title.

Horses

The horse working hunter championship, kindly sponsored by Newtown Anner Stud, rounded off another successful day’s competition. Local rider Lucy Austin delighted the home crowd by claiming the championship aboard her mother RoseMary Quirke’s Milchem What A Dream, while Anna Fee and Via Butterfly Flip earned the reserve championship.

The mini working hunter pony classes once again proved a popular attraction, with strong entries across the open lead rein, beginner cradle stakes and open cradle stakes classes. Gary McMenamin’s Cosford Wishes Vow, ridden by Dulcee Morrison, claimed the title, with Ronswood Silver Fox, owned by Aine Geoghegan and ridden by Fionn Redmond, taking reserve.

Connemaras

The Connemara section attracted an excellent turnout, despite a busy weekend of Connemara events around the country. Local exhibitor Emma Walsh won the in-hand championship with Emlaughmore Mistro, while Siobhán English’s three-year-old Glenn Star secured the youngstock title. In the ridden classes, Jim Casey’s Oorid Alfie, ridden by Róisín Casey, won the Under 16 class, while Eva Gunn partnered her mother Tessa’s Rosscon Koka to victory in the Over 16 class.

Sponsored by Connemara Pony Sales, Clifden, the ridden championship was awarded to Eva Gunn and Rosscon Koka, with Aughavinna Paddy, owned by Niall Clancy and ridden by Hannah Clancy, standing reserve. The prestigious Killusty Show pony supreme championship brought together the day’s champions for one final appearance before the judges.

After careful deliberation, Brendan Lawlor’s Bombay Regal Prince, ridden by Kate Lawlor, was crowned supreme champion. Reserve supreme was awarded to Elizabeth Maher’s Gowerhass Boy, ridden by Robyn Maher.

All-Ireland

Saturday’s Killusty Show concluded with the All-Ireland Pony Supreme final, generously sponsored by Kiltinan Castle Stud. Qualifiers from nine shows across the country competed before judge David Bartram Lawton for the coveted title. The championship was won by Pinewell Storm, owned by Jodie Moran and ridden by Philippa Braddish, who qualified through the Western Area IPS Show.

The enthusiastic applause from ringside reflected the popularity of the result, as Philippa was led on her lap of honour by Tara Rocca. Reserve champion was awarded to the Belgooly qualifier, John Crowley’s Febi, a Welsh Section B pony bred by Jerry Moloney.