A firm favourite with spectators, Sunday evening saw the Midlands Equine Puissance class take palce at Mullingar International, acting as a qualifier for the 2025 Dublin Horse Show Defender Puissance.

The class saw eight combinations put their best foot forward. The class went to five rounds and, in the end, it was Sven Hadley (Brandonview First Edition) and Rachel Proudley (Easy Boy De Laubrey Z) who shared the win when they cleared 2.10m.

They now hold the record with Commanandant Geoff Curran and Bishops Quarter which was set in 2022. Paddy O’ Donnell (Kilcorig Elysium) and Andrew Hodgins (Shanaclogh Luichem) shared third place when they faulted in the final round.

Ailish Connolly Memorial

Junior rider James Derwin topped the podium in Sunday’s Grand Prix qualifier, the 1.35m Ailish Connolly Memorial.

He took victory with the 13-year-old stallion Killerisk Can YA (Can Ya Makan x Mermus R) when they came home with nothing to add in 23.26.

Taking the runner-up spot was Ballypatrick-based British rider Harry Wood and Casino’s Boom when they were fractions behind in 23.73. Third place belonged to Shane Goggins and Boleybawn Cayman in 23.99, ahead of Tabitha Kyle and Haifa in 24.76.

Fifth place belonged to Joshua Halford and Herle when they were clear in 24.93, while Katie Nallon added another result to her record sheet when taking sixth with Mulvin Cliodam (25.41).

Friends Of Paddy Dunican

Sven Joseph Hadley scored the last of his wins in Sunday’s 1.25m Jump-off Friends Of Paddy Dunican, supported By Axa. He partnered the 17-year-old mare Uidam (Luidam x Cavalier Royale) to a clear in 30.39.

Hadley’s closet rival was Zara Finlay and Castlebridge Logan who came home clear in 31.23. Little divided the next place as Mayo-based Australian rider Jake Hunter and Magnifique crossed the line clear in 31.47 for third.

Hadley was back in the ribbons taking fourth with Make It Easy in 32.20, while in fifth was Jason Higgins and Balanda Star K Z, clear in 32.50. Completing the top six was young Kilkenny rider Emily Moloney and Cruising On The Ridge (33.27).