LOCAL rider Lauren Adams claimed victory in the third round of the TRM Spring Tour at Wexford Equestrian last Saturday. The junior rider partnered Gary Adams’ Caddie Z to a clear round in 34.40 seconds to take home the winner’s share of the €2,500, which was supported by K and K Windows.

Speaking after the win, Adams said: “I was delighted with Caddie as it was our first show of the year and, with the likes of Sven Hadley coming behind me, I didn’t really think we would be fast enough for the win.

“I got a great turn from fence two to three in the jump-off, and I think that was what made the difference. I just saw a flowing distance on the turn and Caddie stayed committed with me. She has been a super-consistent mare for me, but I don’t often push her hard against the clock, so it was a great way to start the season.

“Thanks to K and K Windows, who sponsored the class, as well as TRM for the fantastic prizes and Orla and Pat for running a great show.”

Caddie Z is an 11-year-old mare by Cicero Z and is out of the Diamant De Semilly-sired mare, Orane Du Noyer. This combination has jumped up to 1.45m at home and abroad with much success. Last April, they formed part of the Irish team that took second place in the junior Nations Cup in Opglabbeek, when they delivered a double clear. They also took sixth place in the 1.40m class at the same event after another double clear. Later in the month, they formed part of the junior Nations Cup team in Compiègne, delivering more clear rounds. In June, they took sixth in the 1.40m in Hagen and in July seventh in the 1.40m at Millstreet International.

Just 23 went to post in the 1.35m class and, from those, nine proceeded to the timed round where seven double clears were delivered.

The class, which also incorporated the seven and eight-year-old Hibernia Sport Horse League, saw Sven Hadley take second place with eight-year-old Maximum Numero Too HSH, when they were fractions behind in 34.51. Along with his prize money of €495, the Galway rider took home the €200 bonus from Sophie Richards for the highest-placed seven or eight-year-old. Hadley is proving to be very consistent at this early stage of the league, taking third at the opening round at JAG and fourth the week after at Cavan. Bred by Eamonn McArdle, this gelding is by Aganix Du Seigneur and is out of the Numero Uno-sired dam, Couple of Diamonds.

A clear from Anna Stillwell and her own Sligo Caletto Lady in 35.91 saw them slot into third place. This 13-year-old mare by Sligo Candy Boy is out of Calleto Girl. This combination has proved consistent at 1.30m level, and this was their first 1.35m.

Junior rider, Jack Kent was fractions behind with the KM Sport Horses-owned Chevrolet Van Paemel Z for eventual fourth. This was the first outing for this combination, as the eight-year-old gelding was formerly campaigned by Ger O’Neill and Brendan Murphy with much success in the young horse classes. Under O’Neill’s command, the pairing finished sixth in the second qualifier at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship final for seven-year-old horses in Lanaken and then went on to finish 31st in the final.

Less than a second behind was Eoghan Fahey and Origi Van De Bandam in 36.09, taking fifth place. Owned by Chedington Equestrian, this 12-year-old Belgian-bred gelding is by Cooper Vd Heffinick, out of the Indorado-sired dam, Joko Ono Van De Bandam and was formerly campaigned by Jack Kent up to 1.35m.

Sven Hadley took another share of the prize fund when he stopped the clock in a time of 37 seconds with Phenomene Bleu Vdm. This Diamant De Semilly-sired stallion has also proved very consistent for Hadley, recording results up to Grand Prix level. Last year, they claimed victory in the National Grand Prix at Galway.

Last of the double clears in 37.46 and taking seventh place was Patrick Whelan and Altitu. Owned by Seamus Carew, this 11-year-old gelding was bred by his owner and is by Orestus, out of the Aram-sired dam, Happy Choice.