THERE was a double bill of the Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour last weekend, with Adamstown in Wexford playing host to the round on Saturday and Flavours of Fingal on Sunday.
There was a great atmosphere around the main arena in Adamstown as spectators gathered to watch the show jumping. In the 1.35m class, four double clears were delivered and claiming victory was Brendan Murphy when he partnered the seven-year-old Chevrolet Van Paemel Z to a clear in 33.45 seconds.
Murphy was chased home by Patrick Whelan and Eskola M in a time of 33.88. Third place belonged to Andrew Hodgins and Sandra in 34.77, while in fourth was Jason Higgins and MBF Be Blue when clear in 34.81. Hodgins returned to take fifth with Shanaclough Luichew when they picked up four faults in 32.55. Completing the top six was Elliott Reeves and Gorsehill Ruby with four faults in 34.03.
Winner of the 1.20m class was young rider Jack Kent with Origi Van De Bandam when they produced the fastest clear in 26.60, ahead of Jason Higgins and MBF Maxwill, clear in 27.01. Third place went to Brendan Murphy and Shirsheen Calensky in 28.36, while in fourth was amateur rider Laura Walshe (AA) and Ballinaguilkey Heritage (29.82). A clear from Patrick Joyce and Doonaveeragh Jack in 31.02 saw him take fifth, ahead of Patrick Byrne and Leb Lucita (31.05).
Contested
A total of 71 contested the 1.10m and taking the win was amateur rider Hannah McNiven (AA) and Odetta with the winning round in 29.80. Before heading off to the European Championships in Germany, Jack Kent was back in the ribbons when taking second with Origi Van De Bandam (30.16).
Marie Hartley (AA) and Mikita Van het Heidenhof slotted into third (30.83), while in fourth was Cian Byrne and Larina Cruise (30.86). Brendan Murphy also featured in this line-up when taking fifth with Shirsheen Bees Wing, clear in 32.16. In sixth was John Halley (AA) and Newtown City Lights (33.05).
Flavours of Fingal
On Sunday, the action turned to Flavours of Fingal and, in the 1.35m class, it was Harry Marshall and Morning Attraction that emerged victorious when fastest of six double clears in 32.45. Marshall also took fourth place with Tango E.T, when they clocked 34.32.
Shane O’Reilly accounted for second and third, delivering his fastest time of 33.79 with Lancer Luck and clocking 34.26 with BWE Special Rose.
John McEntee and CSF Andrew took fifth when they crossed the line in 40.41, while in sixth was Stephen Wentzel and Glandore in a time of 40.45.
Winner of the 1.20m was Shane O’Reilly and BWE Vain Hero when fastest of 22 clears in 31.46. Taking second was James O’Reilly and Derena Something Special (32.20), ahead of Eimhin Kellett and Kilcolgan Quality (32.31). Slotting into fourth was Riverstown Flamenco Cruise in 32.80, while in fifth was Sunnibhe Stassin and RNH Factor One (35.58). Sixth place was filled by Gerard Campbell and Livio (36.04).
Young rider Layla Coyle took the win in the 1.10m section when clear in 32.78, ahead of Lucy Gaffney and World of Orestus (32.95). Filling third was James Hogg and Hawkesbury Lad in 34.21, ahead of John Murray and MHS Dupont (34.85). A clear from Katelynn Dwyer and Moonlite Touch in 35.22 saw them take fifth, ahead of Grace McHugh and In Persuit of Happiness in sixth place (36.04).