The sun was shining for the first round of the Connaught pony leagues, which took place on Sunday in Athenry. Taking the win in the 148 1.10m HCI Connaught Pony League and Forever Equestrian National Young Pony Series was Sarah Egan and Katie Girl when they were one of three double clears in 32.35. Joshua Broderick took the longer lines with Greenfield Star and it paid off, as he came home in 35.37 for second. He also accounted for third with Maggie’s Star, delivering another clear in 39.30. Alice Curran and the six-year-old, Alice Pickle had one on the ground in 42.61 for eventual fourth. Accounting for the next two placings was Alayna Hawkins, taking fifth with MCG Carrow Crème, when fastest of the four-faulters in the first round with 86.25, and sixth with Highburren Rose, four faults in 86.52.

Leading the victory lap in the 138 1m Silver Jumper Roxboro Stud Connaught Pony League and Forever Equestrian National Young Pony Series was Niamh Delaney and Kisheen, when they were the only double clear in 39.57. Sarah Egan put in a very fast round with Rebel Gealach, but it came at a price, as they picked up four faults, crossing the line in 31.74 for second. Niamh Delaney also had one down in the second round with Rhos Enterprise, but in a slower time of 36 seconds for third. Tim Hawkins was fastest of the four-faulters in the first round with the five-year-old, Carraghy Spice in 108.92 for eventual fourth, while in fifth was William Lynskey and the six-year-old, DS Hans Off, who had two down in a time of 90.84. Rounding off the top six was Ellen Ryan and Farmhill Cailin Dun, with eight faults in 90.84.

In the 128cm 90cm Connaught Pony League and Forever Equestrian National Young Pony Series, just two double clears were delivered. Fastest of those came from Ben Hawkins and Bronheulog Rose Gold in a time of 32.48. Opting for the longer lines with Almar Chubba Chubba paid dividends for Thomas Tully, as he took second place, when crossing the line clear in 36.55. Hawkins also accounted for third, when he was fastest of the four-faulters with Glenford Tammy, in 37.02. Elaine Brisco suffered a similar fate in the second round with Strawberry Swirl II, but a slower time of 40.73 saw them fill fourth. Accounting for fifth place was Sophie Hawshaw and Ice Ty De Nooe, when fastest of the four-faulters in the first round, in 63.37, while in sixth was Ben Hawkins and Smokey Astral, four faults in 71.25.

Taking the win in the 128 85cm Under 10s Equillence Connaught Pony League was Joscelyn Leonard and Cefngelli Sherry when they had two down, while, keeping it in the family, Saoirse Leonard took second, when she had 16 faults.

Novice classes

Over the course of the day, there were good entries for the novice classes. In the 50cm Newcomers Walter Reape League and Connaught Show jumping Novice Pony League, seven combinations put points on the board. Those riders were Katie Briscoe (Dans Kid), Rosin Brooks (Drumtain Rosie), Molly Moran (Foodys Bob), Cillian Dunne (Johnnie Walker), Molly Cahill (Mary Joe Speara), Meabh Haverty (Summerbridge Squeak) and Ida Rose Cahill (Tubberoddy Road Runner).

In the novice 128cm 70cm league, five combinations delivered clears and the class was divided between Joscelyn Leonard (Cefngelli Sherry), Oisín Maloney (Clashreagh Neptune), Philip Tara McCormack (Derrymore Lou Lou), Saoirse Leonard (Kyneton Snipe) and Caitlin Connors (Little Legend).

The 138cm 80cm Connaught Show jumping Novice Pony League saw three double clears recorded and they came from Ashley Maher (Benmore Rose), Thomas Tully (Elizabeth’s Girl) and Anna Maye (June Thunder).

In the 148cm 90cm novice league, from the 18 combinations that competed, eight kept all the poles in place. Sharing the win was Eoghan Delaney (Ardcolum Survivor), Roisin Cummins (Ballyvary June), Aliyah Kearns (Butterfly Bonnie), Grace Jennings (CB Arlo), Eimear Doyle (Doonbeg Poppy), Alayna Hawkins (Glencroft Diva), Cliona Foley (Knockillaree Leona) and Emily Raftery aboard Watergrass Charm.