A GLORIOUS autumnal day dawned for the first leg of the Jumpinaction.net and City Break Apartments Secondary Schools jumping league, which got under way on September 28th at Killossery Lodge Stud. With over 100 competitors, there was a great buzz of excitement and anticipation in the air. The novice individual top spot this week went to Áine Mullan riding Sir Archibald from Enfield Community College in the fast time of 34.12. Kate Teahan and Classiebawn Pep, who were representing Maynooth Education Campus, took second position with a good time of 35.92. Also for Maynooth was Ruby Lynch and Our Molly, taking third place in a close time of 36.02. In fourth position was Alice Harten and Mandy, riding for Drogheda Grammar School in a time of 37.03. Niamh Smith and Barney jumped into the placings to secure fifth place for St Mac Dara’s in a time of 38.46, with Natalie Healy and Misty, jumping for Enfield Community College, taking the sixth placing with a time of 38.78 to complete the jumping in the Novice Individual class.

Teams

The Jumpinaction.net and City Break Apartments secondary school team class had 10 teams competing for the winning spot. Competition was fierce with two schools making it through to the jump-off. The team taking the top slot this week were from Scoil Dara / Athboy Community College. Second place went to another paired school team, that of Ashbourne Community School and Lusk Community College. The third place went to Drogheda Grammar School, with fourth place going to the Maynooth Education Campus Blue team. Mac Dara’s secured fifth this week and sixth place went to Eureka Secondary School. A great start to the Secondary Interschools Team competition.

Individuals

In the Jumpinaction.net and City Break Apartments 90/95cm Open Individual class, it was Grantstown Hannah ridden by Sadie Lynch, who hit the top spot and therefore headed the league this week. Riding close on her heels and securing second position was Charlotte Harten and Frenchpark Florence. The third place slot this week went to Cillian Currie on Paris. Amelia Guerins took fourth on Cúlbán Tlc, while Sophie Kenny and Mount Carmel Jodie slotted into fifth and, finally, Rosie Fowler and Lahinch Gizmo took sixth.

Novice Individuals

The Primary Interschools Novice Individuals had 19 competitive riders. There were six successful double clears. These included Aoibheann Smith on Casper, Kate Keegan on Kimmy Coo, Doireann Collins on Milo, Regan Hewitt on Holly, Maddison Donohoe on Benny and, finally, Luke Murray on Bingo. There were a lot of very promising riders in this class.

The Primary Interschools Open Individual had an amazing number of 30 riders all competing for the top positions. Taking first place was Cian Greene, on his pony Magic competing for Rathbeggan National School. Cian also took third place with Casper. Dividing Cian’s two brilliant rounds was Rhys Robinson riding Scarlet representing St Mary’s Boys School Maynooth. Regan Hewitt riding Holly, made the placings again, taking fourth place here with Felicity Jones on Cloned Cailin jumping into fifth. The last slot went to Madison Donohoe and Benny representing White Cross National School adding to her red ribbon in the Primary Interschools Novice Individuals class.

The Primary team competition had three teams battling it out and all the teams made it into the jump-off. The winning team was made up of representatives from Kilcloon NS, Maynooth NS and Enfield NS. Kilsaran National School riders took second place this week and they were followed by the St Patrick’s NS, St Andrews NS, St Mary’s NS, Gael Na Cille riders, who fought hard to secure third place. See pictures on page 95.