IT was a bumper weekend for the Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series, with two qualifiers taking place over June 20th-21st.

In the novice section at Gorey Agricultural Show, six horses came before judges Louise Parkhill and Luke Coen, and it was Claire Ricketts riding Asterion Forlonge who was deemed the winner. The 12-year-old has been with Claire since his final run at the Punchestown Festival in 2025. “He had come to me for work at a few points during his career and I always loved him. Thankfully, Jackie (Mullins) remembered and called me, asking would I like to take him when he retired,” commented Rickets.

Taking second place on the day was Nicki Russell and Fly Right By, a five-year-old by Jet Away. This combination had qualified previously at Raheendaw Horse and Pony Show, so the qualification was passed down to Ericka Cummins and Appreciate It. Another 12-year-old, the gelding by Jeremy was also trained by Willie Mullins, winning on his last start at Thurles in January of this year.

Open Class

In the open section, only two entrants came forward for judging. Eleanor Erel and Gelisko stood top of the line-up, earning their ticket for the final. This combination has been competing together for four years, since Erel purchased the gelding out of National Hunt trainer Paul Nolan’s yard. “We began our showing journey in 2023, mainly attending the South East agricultural shows, along with Wexford Equestrian’s Summer Show, Tinahely, and Tullow,” commented Erel. “2024 was a standout season for us, we qualified for the Treo Eile Final at the Royal Meath Show, and also secured qualification for the Racehorse to Riding Horse Championship in Limerick. He went on to win the Agar Memorial Championship in Tullow that same year.”

In second place was Kate O’Donovan with Awbeg Prince, a 15-year-old gelding by Vinnie Roe. O’Donovan, a secondary school teacher from Monasterevin, also rides out with her brother, point-to-point jockey and trainer Chris O’Donovan. The bay gelding won his point-to-point debut in 2016 before going on to score on his first start under Rules at Cork, all while owned by Kate’s uncles, Billy and Michael O’Donovan.

“My uncle Michael died tragically a few years ago and, as Awbeg Prince was the last horse he owned, I decided to bring him showing. We did a few shows last year and he improved with every outing, culminating in a win at the South East Clare Show,” she said.

Enniskillen

On Sunday, attention turned to the Enniskillen Horse and Pony Show at Castle Irvine. With only one entrant in the Novice class, Lauren Hall and the 14-year-old mare Zanouska secured their place in the final. The Bernardini (USA)-sired mare ran 21 times under Rules for both Gordon Elliott and Mark Johnston, recording multiple placings.

“I am beyond chuffed with her. I really didn’t know what to expect as it was her first show, but she was just so well mannered,” said a delighted Hall.Looking ahead, she hopes to “make our show jumping and working hunter debut soon and possibly get her out hunting later in the year. I don’t think there is anything these thoroughbreds can’t do!”

In the open section, Fiona Gerring and Arctic Bresil claimed top honours, ahead of Jenny Murphy and Darver Star. Arctic Bresil, a nine-year-old by Blue Bresil, raced 15 times when trained by Henry de Bromhead, recording his sole victory at Cork under Rachael Blackmore.

“Zoe had rung me about Bresil before I lost Monty (Moon Over Cladagh), but it wasn’t until after he passed away that I went down to collect him. The team down there has been very good to me and Bresil is such a star!” said a delighted Gerring. “I took my time with him, but we had a brilliant show at Enniskillen. He finished first and second in the Novice and Preliminary Dressage on the Saturday, was second in the Riding Horse class and won the Racehorse to Riding Horse class.”