AMATEUR riders travelled to Cavan last weekend to contest the two-day Amateur Championships. A popular event on the amateur schedule, all classes were well supported.

The opening Maxol-sponsored 90cm Welcome Stakes saw 44 combinations go to post and, from those, 21 delivered double clears.

Fastest of those was Ulster rider Kyla McLaughlin (A) and Chariot Warrior in a time of 26.34.

The next two places were filled by sportmember riders, with Colleen Moffett and Paw Prince taking second when they clocked 27.11.

Ron Chawke and Jerichos Magic took third when they stopped the clock in 37.42; Jacinta Walsh (A) and Mermus Surprise took fourth, when they crossed the line in 27.75, while in fifth was sportsmember Karen Pearson and Lowhill Bonne Chance in 28.60.

Completing the top six was sportsmember Robyn Butler and Limestone Lady Gaga in 28.63.

Cladem Equi Store Two Phase

Leading victory in this 1m class was Sheikh Samir Mirdad [AA] when he partnered Mirdads Khaliil Alarahmaaan to a clear in 26 seconds.

Taking the runner-up place was Graham O’Brien and Hermes Gift, clear in 27.25, ahead of Rachel Foley and Indra in 27.45.

Fourth place belonged to Olywn Alexander (AA) and Faline in 27.67, while in fifth was Robyn Butler (S) and Limestone Lady Gaga, clear in 29.05, ahead of Emily Deegan and her five-year-old Meadowhill Cruise, clear in 29.44.

Laura Walshe and Ballinaguilkey Heritage, winner of the Schockemohle Indoor Derby at the Cavan Amateur Championship \ Ciara Byrne jumpinaction.net

Schockemohle Indoor Derby

It has been a great season for Laura Walshe and she added to her impressive record when she claimed the AA section of the Schockemohle Indoor Derby. Riding her ever-reliable Ballinaguilkey Heritage, she was the fastest of seven double clears in 27.36 from a field of 36. Less than a second separated the next placing as Kevin O’Reilly and Furore S clocked 27.90.

Another familiar face in the winner’s enclosure, Colm Fitzpatrick and Bluestone Diamond Fly took third when they clocked 27.94, ahead of Alexandra Bailey and Callie Lvs Z in a time of 29.28. Accounting for fifth place was Noel Elliott, ahead of Ed Rhatigan and Ballyfore Lola, in 30.86.

A total of 66 combinations lined out in the A section and, with riders up for the challenge, 12 delivered double clears. Leading the victory lap was Kate Houlihan and Boss Z in a time of 29.23.

A split second divided the next placing as Keith Cullen and Kellystown Elijah, came home in 29.62.

Third place belonged to Aoife Maguire and Pharos Hazy Cove, in a time of 29.67, while in fourth was Elle Moore and Reagan, in 30.17. Fifth place was occupied by Liz Keegan Comerford and Edoxtown Cash Cruise, in a time of 31.18, ahead of Breda Perrin and Lks Bianca in 31.65.

Veredus Table C Speed

Winner of the AA section of the speed class was Frances Kealey and Danny Boy II when they were fastest of the 23 clears in 51.29. Lisa Doyle proved to be her closest rival when she crossed the line with Ballinaguilkey Dignified in 53.37 for second.

Colm Fitzpatrick was back in the line-up, taking third with Maretto Flight when they clocked 54.08 and fourth with Bluestone Diamond Fly, crossing the line in 55.03.

Slotting into fifth was Vicky Curran and RNH Coco Chanel in 56.05, while in sixth was Derrick Burke and Tyreda Chip, in 57.49.

It was a good day for Kate Houlihan and Boss Z as they took the win in the A section of this speed class when clocking 55.03. It was a close call, as Aoife Maguire and Pharos Hazy Cove took second when they came home in 55.04.

A clear from Joseph Moore and Master De Reve in 56.45 saw them take third, ahead of Brian Weir and Corroy Candy in 57.41.

Fifth place belonged to Amanda-Jayne Comyn and Gmh Ability in 57.76, while in sixth was Breda Perrin and Lks Bianca in 58.10.