ON home soil, national jumping began with the Equijump Spring Tour with a good following in each division. Winner of the 128cm Under 10 was Jack Rush and Dromore Hill Boy on 39 points. He was chased home by Ben Hawkins and Whistletown Blue Belle on 36 points. Taking the 128cm 1m 1* title was Lily McBride and Poynstown Little Albert Einstein. This combination held a commanding lead of 19 points off her closest opponent. In the 128cm 2*, it was Alice Steele and Zulus Dream who took this title, leaving Chloe Clarke to take second place with Brandon Reepicheep. Winner of the 138cm 1* was Mark Mellett and Knockagaron Fear Bui Falcon on 28 points. Mellett finished one point ahead of Alex Maloney and Milchem Ruby.
A strong performance from Ella Rush and Shadow Dash in the 138cm 2* saw her take the win on 34 points. It was a close contest as Lucia Keane and Alto de Fougnard followed closely behind, finishing on 33 points. Competition in the 148cm 1* was extremely close with just one point separating first and second. Taking the crown was Jack Hannigan and RTS Tommy Dunn on 23 points, followed by Luke Sweeney and Tullymurry Sunshine on 22 points. Harry Rush and Simple emerged as the winners in the 148cm 2*, finishing on 25 points. Taking the runner-up place was Alex Sheehan and Ballynoe Lurgan Diamond on 20 points.
Dublin Horse Show
The Dublin Horse Show is the pinnacle of most riders’ careers and, for the pony riders who fought hard to take their place in the main arena, nothing is left to spare in pursuit of a title. Taking place after the Aga Khan, 18 combinations took to the main arena to contest the 128cm championship and five booked their place against the clock. Taking this prestigious title was Ben O’Connor and The Million Dollar Baby, when they produced the only double clear. Annie Hughes Kennedy and Hes a Touch Of Magic had four faults at the third last vertical, which saw the Kilkenny pair claim the reserve title. Fellow Kilkenny rider, Taylor O’Neill and Bronheulog Limited Edition had four faults at the same fence, but in a slower time for third. Chloe Clarke and Brandon Reepicheep finished on 12 faults for fourth, ahead of Josh Fitzgerald and Creevelea Midnight Radar. Hannah Horan and Neary Perfect was fastest of the four-faulters in the first round for sixth place.
In the 138cm championships, it went down to the wire with the top three finishers coming home within 36 seconds. The Foley family are no strangers to success at the Dublin Horse Show and, this year, Oscar Foley added to the record sheet by claiming this title aboard Miriam O’Donnell’s Mayfly Green Peter. Ella Rush and Shadow Dash took the reserve title, ahead of Millie Jeffers and Blackwood Killamaster. Georgia De Bromhead and Sparkling Boomastasia took fourth place, while defending champions, Cliodhna McEvoy and Etoile Des Chesnaies finished as the fastest of the four-faulters to secure fifth place. Last to go, Ben O’Connor and Solea, picked up four faults putting them in sixth place.
The 148cm championship that followed proved every bit as nail-biting. In an excellent display of horsemanship, the top four finishers all delivered flawless rounds, each stopping the clock in under 36 seconds. It was another title for the Foley family, as Ruben led the victory lap aboard the Quidam Junior-sired mare, Wineport Q Junior.
Claiming the reserve title was Sam Widger and Western Ranger. Defending champion, Lily Tunney and Fireman wasted no time in a bid to reclaim the title, but had to settle for third place. Georgia De Bromhead had the difficult task of going first with Shamrock Du Gite, but she skilfully answered all the questions and would take eventual fourth. All eyes were set on the European Bronze medallist, Charlie Flynn as he took it on with Montana, the Tippeary rider was up on target until four faults at the last meant he had to settle for fifth place, ahead of Josephine Nell and Luitta.
Twelve competitors in the 138cm six- and seven-year-olds battled it out for this title. Leading the victory lap was Elsie Tunney and Tullinaglug Rosheen when they finished on a score of 172.5. Alayna Hawkins and Thank Crunchie took the reserve title when finishing on a score of 167. Just three points behind was Cathal McKeon-Devaney and Kitty Sb when they finished on 164.0.
The 128cm six- and seven-year-old championship winner was Isobelle Keating with Sheeaun Lady Misty when awarded 164 marks. It was this jumping and the rideability mark that gave her the advantage over Ellen Ryan and Bronheulog Ruben, who finished on a final score of 157.5. Lillie Cash and Newhaven Millie also impressed judges, finishing on 152.5 for third place.