ON Saturday, JAG Equestrian in Co Kildare hosted its first amateur show of the season and, as expected, attracted a large following.

Following on from a great season in 2024, Colm Fitzpatrick opened his 2025 season on a positive note as he took the win in the Grand Prix. Riding Bluestone Diamond Fly, he was the fastest of just three double clears in a time of 39.10 seconds.

Paul Whelan played it safe and delivered a clear with Fortside Definitely in a time of 44.91 for second. The last of the clears was delivered by Jack Sheedy and DSH Good Feeling in 45.38 for third. Fitzpatrick returned to the winner’s enclosure to take fourth with Maretto Flight when they were the fastest of the four-faulters in a time of 43.13. Dean Cotton also had a pole on the floor with Imperial Darco Diamond in a time of 45.72 for fifth, while in sixth was Anita Hickey and Carrigeen Buachaill in a time of 48.16.

Taking the win in the Welcome Stakes was Laura Carrick and Mo Curadh Beag, with a clear in 29.63 seconds. Johnnie Fitzpatrick and Saunders Beach Ball Cruise followed closely behind in 31.88. A clear from Rhiannon Maher and Full of Beans in 33.74 seconds saw them secure third, ahead of Holly Long and Bannagh Cornet (33.80). Catherine Keogh partnered Tullyunshin Skyfall to a clear in 34.20 for fifth, while in sixth was Clodagh Fitzpatrick and Oxendene Rozi (35.00).

Carrick returned to the winner’s enclosure to take the win in the Irish Farmers Journal qualifier when she lodged a clear aboard Amura R in 29.28. Taking the runner-up spot was Louise Murphy and Stella Darling, clear in 30.17, while in third was Aoife Lynch and Tankardstown Coco, clear in 30.23.

Fourth place belonged to Padraig Murphy and West Coast Charisma, clear in 30.29, while in fifth was Kate Hutcheson and Madame Touchdown, clear in 30.72. Completing the top six line-up was Abi O’ Brien Lawler and Milburn Fourways (30.74).