THE Global Champions Tour of Leinster, run at the annual TRI Equestrian-sponsored show jumping event at Wexford Equestrian, didn’t disappoint, with the best year yet.

The threatening wet weather forecast loomed, but thankfully held off for most of the day, but with a large indoor hosting all the competitions, spirits were high and comfort was key. Boasting a recently-refurbished luxury cafe, kids’ playroom and comfy couches, all members of the family were catered for at the venue. Young and old, riding and non-riding siblings alike made the trip to Wexford on Sunday, June 7th to compete in Leinster pony qualifiers that will culminate at various finals at the end of the summer.

A trip to the podium for the top six in timed classes came with its own challenges, as winning riders became proficient in opening ‘champagne’ bottles to spray their rivals during the day - a most enjoyable accomplishment of the podium presentations. Although many family washing machines will battle with mock champagne-drenched riding jackets and jodhpurs, the sacrifice was worth it to win a highly-sought-after TRI Equestrian rug for winning a class during the day.

It was a long day from cross-poles starter ponies to 148 1.20m classes, but all members of the show jumping families were catered for, with many fielding multiple successful riders.

Gracie and Alby Kelly both jumped clear rounds, with Gracie winning the Children On Horses class and Alby placing sixth in the Under 10s 85cm class, while Taylor and Ava O’Neill picked up several wins and placings across the 128, 138 and 148 classes.

Scott Doran won the 128 80cm with Rosegate Castles in the Sky, the 128 Under-10 class was won by Saoirse Byrne with Paulank Chaffink and the 128 90cm class was won by another local rider, Robyn Murphy on Lolly Do, a seven-year-old pony in a new partnership.

The 128 Bob Sweeney Future Champion Series class saw Taylor O’Neill with Shirsheen Cooley taking the top spot in the final 128 class.

The 138 80cm class was won by local girl Isabelle Bates on Firefly Kadie, while the 138 90cm was locked up by Jack Codd and Kilea Charlie and the 138 1m class was a family affair, with home-bred BBS Brave Hearts Beauty picking up the win for Charley May Murphy. The final 138 1.10m class went to Ellie Sheane riding Conazar Jayne.

148 classes kicked off the afternoon with the 148 90cm class, where Maisie Connolly and Tullymore Silver stopped the clock at 38.81 to win the TRI rug.

Aoife Lawton with Woodside Lad won the 148 1m and the 148 1.10m was picked up by Ava O’Neill and Castlefield Moon. The 148 1.15m/1.20m class was also won by Ava, while the final class, Children On Horses was won by Gracie Kelly on Hermies Bh Bergerhof Z.

Some of the most exciting classes of the day were the 50cm and 60cm, where the next generation of riders, many of whom were making their debut at a big show, collected TRI goody bags for competing, as well as rosettes.

The podium presentations, with mock champagne, TRI Equestrian rugs and goody bags provided by the company, made the day extra special for these budding superstars.

All roads lead back to Wexford this coming weekend, when they host the two-day Grand Prix show on Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th. Karlswood LST, Premier Performance Grand Prix, summer series and Naps Amateur classes are just some of the classes on offer to jump on the amazing grass arena. A new class to be featured is a four-year-old judged class, with €1,000 prize fund on offer, sponsored by Castlefield Stables and Cooley Farm.

The full list of classes and sponsors are on SJI Live, with entries closing at 4pm the day before for both days.