THE Connaught Horse League headed to Headford Show, with the third round taking centre stage on Sunday. Despite the rainfall, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the senior and junior riders taking part.
Following a great show at Mullingar CSI2* where he was crowned leading young rider, Stephen Gibbons added another victory to his record, as he won the Derryronane Stud 1.35m Grand Prix. Riding Cassius Z, he was one of only three double clears in the eight-way jump-off in a time of 44.05.
Cassius Z is a 15-year-old stallion by Canabis Z and out of Ginger Sari. This partnership put in a super performance in Mullingar CSI2*, claiming two wins and a third-place finish.
Speaking afterwards, Gibbons said: “I was very happy to win here today. This is our fourth time winning in a row. He has won this class at Headford Show three times. He is a good servant to us over the last five years. He has jumped up to 1.45m and he is particularly good in these 1.35m classes. The plan was to give the jump-off a good go and it was in the back of my mind to win it four times in a row. I took a few tight turns and the grass held up fairly well. Well done to Headford for running a great show and to Derryronane for their sponsorship.”
Also returning from an impressive show in Mullingar, Zaid Ali Radd was back in the line-up, taking second place with BE Flygold with a clear in 47.99.
Leading international rider at Mullingar, Sven Hadley made his presence felt as he claimed third with Machnus Lux, when all the poles remained in place in a time of 48.12. Hadley also went on to share the Puissance class, with both himself riding Brandonview First Edition and Andrew Hodgins (Shanaclough Luichew) clearing three rounds.
Andrew Hodgins and the John Glynn-owned Shanaclough Luichew were fastest of the four-faulters in 48.21 for eventual fourth.
Shane Goggins and Boleybawn Cayman accounted for fifth when they finished on five faults in 65.93.
Rounding off the top six was Joyce Veld aboard Miley Dunning’s Corraghoe Bounce, finishing on eight faults in 62.76.
Flying
Winner of the Premier Performance 1.20m class was Zaid Ali Radd aboard BE Flygold, when they were fastest of the 10 double clears in a time of 32.91. Owned by John Chadwick and bred by GBBS International, BE Flygold is a nine-year-old gelding by Stakkato Gold and is out of Ballypatrick Flight.
Speaking after the win, Zaid said: “[I am] delighted with the win and thanks [must go to] Sven Hadley and his team for their help. I didn’t aim to go too fast, as the horse is naturally quick and this gave him the advantage.”
Sven Hadley returned to collect in this class, partnering Make It Easy HSH to a clear in 35.83 for second place. Hadley also took fifth with Tom McGurk’s Kannan Contessa, stopping the clock in 37.02. Mark Duffy followed closely behind with Caraghs Trendy Master, crossing the line in 35.77 for third. Little stood between the next placing, as Kate Derwin and the Robbie O’Connor-owned six-year-old, Fuerty Roc, stopped the clock in 35.84 for eventual fourth. Young rider, Saga Gunnersson and the Dermot Forde-owned six-year-old Lara’s Joy completed the top six, coming home in 37.28.
1.10m victory
Leading the victory lap in the Flexineb By Nortev 1.10m class was young rider Maeve Coffey, when she partnered Creevaghstables Buttler Jones to a double clear in 29.47 seconds. Bred by Dermot Condon, this nine-year-old gelding is by Buttlers Cravat and out of the Roselier-sired dam, Denmark Rosie.
Zaid Ali Raad was back in the ribbons, this time taking the runner-up spot with Londons Diamant with a clear in 31.05. Aoife McCabe added to her leaderboard tally, taking third with Umira Quality, when clear in 31.82. A clear from Anna Baynes and Lochan Ramiro in 33.81 saw them take fourth place, ahead of Evan Burke who was riding Noel Burke’s six-year-old, Ballynagran Buzz, clear in 35.33. Mark Duffy returned to the line-up, taking sixth with his own five-year-old, Manifesto, clear in 32.68.
Amateur win
Taking the win in the amateur league was Shauna Wilson (A) and Omard Hannah, when they were fastest of three double clears in 31.67. Wilson was chased home by Brian Weir (A) and Corroy Candy, who crossed the line in 37.47. Last of the double clears was delivered by Marie-Claire Rogers (A) and Eris M2S, in a time of 39.94 for third.
Stephanie Forde (AA) put in a gallant attempt, but four faults with her own Merlins Vixen in 36.41 saw her take fourth. Accounting for fifth place was Tomas Seoighe (AA) and Flaming Eyes, carrying four faults in 38.39, ahead of Aisling Donoghue (A) and Silent Picture, finishing on eight faults in 45.28.