CHEVAL claimed a ticket for the Association of Irish Riding Clubs’ team show jumping championships at the Dublin Horse Show for the second time in three years, when winning the Premier Performance-sponsored qualifier at Killossery Lodge Stud last Sunday.

Their successful quartet only secured this North East Region victory by a single fault but, compared to 2024, when the qualifier was held at Cheval’s own grounds at Jordanstown, they had just three rival teams to fend off on this occasion compared to nine two years ago.

Edwin Fitzgerald, who was on that 2024 team riding Moygannon April Diamond, was back for this latest challenge with that now 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, lining out alongside Sandra Hannigan (Yukon Clover), Ann-Michelle McConologue (Cruise de l’Eclair) and team captain, Tommy Parr (Irresistible).

At the halfway stage, Cheval were on nine faults, as were Boyneside, with Castle Leslie on 16 and Mullaghmore on 17. All teams performed much better in round two. Cheval were clear to complete on nine; Boyneside frustratingly picked up one time fault to end on 10; Mullaghmore moved up to third as one time fault gave them a total of 19, with Castle Leslie slipping to fourth following the addition of four faults and a completion score of 20.

Assisted by James Whyte, Cheval’s chef d’equipe was Ita Kinahan, who explained how the club picked their winning quartet.

“We had a team selection evening at our showgrounds in mid-April for all members who were interested in being considered for a team for the RDS qualifier. Our Club chairperson, Maria Carrick, and I were assisted in the selection process by Tom Holden, who built a suitable course and all riders were given the opportunity to complete the course twice, with a break in between.

“Following the selection of the team, training was organised with HSI Level 2 SJ coach James Whyte for all team members. James also attended the qualifier in Killossery, assisting the riders in the warm-up and providing advice during the course walk, which proved invaluable when the time allowed became the deciding factor on the day.

“Just one time penalty separated the top two teams at the end of the competition and we are very happy to be heading to the RDS for the second time in three years.”

Proud breeder

Hannigan can take more pride than others in the achievement, as she not only owns the ISH mare Yukon Clover, but bred the nine-year-old daughter of Namelus R out of the Darco mare Premier Daisy Darco.

“I compete her show jumping and eventing on sand,” Hannigan told the Irish Horse World. “She won the Christmas league, Spring league and eventing on sand league in Killossery this year. I’ll compete her jumping and in Riding Club up to the RDS.” Hannigan didn’t have time to dwell on the team’s win as she headed up to Balmoral Show with her mare Dowdstown Jane’s Legacy for Wednesday’s small hunter class and the five-year-old Irish Draught class.

Tommy Parr, who is originally from Rostrevor, Co Down, now lives in Co Dublin with his partner, who owns Dymphna’s Equestrian Centre. He is a whipper-in to the Louth Hunt. Tommy bought the Dutch Warmblood gelding Irresistible when the grey son of Universeel was a four-year-old and, two years later, began hunting him with the Louths, the Fingal Harriers and the South Tyrones. Tommy started show jumping Irresistible with the Amateurs in the summer of 2023 and plans to compete the grey in amateur classes and at a few AIRC shows en route to Dublin. He is delighted and honoured to compete for and be captain of Cheval.

Edwin Fitzgerald and Moygannon April Diamond (Samgemjee - Moygannon Diamond Lady, by Jack Of Diamonds) also compete in amateurs, as does Ann-Michelle McConologue with the eight-year-old ISH gelding Cruise de l’Eclair (Lea Grey - Lisnakeenay Joy, by Ringfort Cruise), sharing the ride with the roan’s owner Cathy Ruth.

The Drynam Divas team comprising Susan Murray (Dunsandle Multi), Emma Fristedt (Drynam Golden Prince), Jenni Doyle (Forever Fudge) and Yvonne Hughes (Puzzle Pop) won the Kilossery qualifier for the RC70/RC80 team show jumping championship

Runners-up

Having finished second, the Boyneside quartet of Erica O’Neill (Ballistic M2S), Debbie Larkin (Bonna More), Zoe Donohue (Ballyheerin Buss) and Sarah O’Neill (Portduff May) will now contest the wildcard qualifier at the AIRC Festival in Mullingar early next month.

Also heading to the Festival, but for the final of the Foran RC70/RC80 team show jumping championship, are the Drynam Divas, i.e. Susan Murray (Dunsandle Multi), Emma Fristedt (Drynam Golden Prince), Jenni Doyle (Forever Fudge) and Yvonne Hughes (Puzzle Pop), who won Sunday’s qualifier on a two-round total of four faults.

In this second year of the lower level championship, the number of teams competing at this NER qualifier rose from two to three, but all three comprised Drynam members, whose Dolls finished second on 12 faults, ahead of the Dynamites (20).

The course builder for the qualifiers was Louise Moore, with Laura Connell and Maria Carrick sharing the judging duties.