MULLINGAR Equestrian was a hive of activity as it played host to the Young Rider Championships last weekend. With titles on the line over two action-packed days, every point mattered. By Sunday, the champions were crowned: Ruby Lily Gaines and Castle Lux Clover took home both the overall Rider/Horse Combination title and the Junior Championship. Billy Sinnott, riding GCS Jasmine, secured the Young Rider Combination title, while Charlotte Butler and Kingston King claimed victory in the Children on Horses title.

The action began on Saturday with the 1.10m Welcome Stakes and Wicklow’s Cian Byrne got his campaign off to a good start as he took the honours in the opening class. Riding Sandra Duffy’s China Man, he lodged a clear in 30.26. Just over a second behind was Charlotte Butler aboard Olwyn Alexander’s Kingston King in a time of 31.47. Ulster’s Nicole Fox partnered Gwyn Yemm’s Bluestones Ludo to a clear in 31.48 for third place. A clear from Munster’s Natasha Foley aboard the seven-year-old Ironman in 31.75 saw them take fourth, with fifth filled by Wexford rider Isabelle Boland aboard the six-year-old Boleybawn Reverie (33.06). Completing the top six was Munster’s Tamar Perry and her own Hermes De Cavalier (33.60).

1.20m Challenge

Double European Gold Medallist, Emily Moloney made her presence felt on home soil, winning the 1.20m Challenge class, when clear with Ian Smyth’s Cruising on the Ridge (31.86). Moloney’s closest rival was James Derwin riding Aloga Stables’ eight-year-old Amos L Z, clear in 33.06. Fractions behind was Lauren Quinn and the six-year-old A Time To Remember (33.09). Ella Kenny and Ragazza Di Flamenco crossed the line clear less than a second behind in 33.55. Not content with fourth, Kenny also took fifth with Q-Dee De Lux (34.04). Eoghan McGrath and Larcata Wi Rio Z rounded up the top six (34.81).

1.30/1.35m

A total of 33 combinations took on the 1.30/1.35m class for the €1,000 on offer and the standard was high, with 16 double clears being delivered. Leading this victory lap was Leinster rider, Ruby Lily Gaines and Castle Lux Clover, who galloped home in 37.73. It was a worthwhile trip for Jill Greene from Munster, who took the runner-up spot with Hazel, just over a second behind in 38.91. Kilkenny’s Isobel Sheehan and Athea Clover Trend took third, crossing the line in 39.45.

Following a very good show at Millstreet CSI2*, Billy Sinnott added to his record when fourth with Ian Smyth’s Ridge Douglas Lady, (39.46), while Cian Byrne slotted into fifth with Aisling Byrne’s Kappa Play (39.78). Lauren Quinn also featured in this line-up taking sixth with Ces Sonny Lady (42.38).

1.10/1.20m

The 1.10/1.20m two-phase went to Connaught’s Mark Neilan. Riding Aoileann Nic An Iomaire’s seven-year-old, New Haven Star, he lodged a clear in 38.85. Roisin Cahill and the five-year-old Limestone Leonardo, slotted into second when clear in 39.28, ahead of Lauren Quinn and Ces Casson (50.28). Olivia Duffy was just over a second behind with Calgary Vgw Z in 53.52 for fourth, ahead of Lauren McGlennon and Carrick Kilderrys Diamond, fastest of the four-faulters in 41.47 seconds. Mark Neilan had one down in the first round with LBC Russi B, in 48.54 for sixth place.

90cm

Leinster’s Mia Murphy won the 90cm class, when partnering Valerie O’Reilly’s Enniskerry Pierro to a clear in 37.96. Murphy was chased home by Charlotte O’Broin and JBF Riverfile Luxardo, clear in 41.77. Mia Murphy returned to take third place with Roadstown Kimona (46.16), while in fourth was Caoimhe Spacey and FWS Run Of the River (53.01). Cara McFadden and the four-year-old Rossas Contessa took fifth (57.51), ahead of Ben Cassidy and the four-year-old Vega Vdh, who were fastest of the four-faulters in 41.97.

1m

A total of 23 contested the 1m class and the win went to Leinster as Abbey Flynn and Sarco delivered a clear in 26.40. Katie Byrne and Lunasa Cruise finished close behind, with nothing to add in 26.80. Rebecca Lawlor and Rathfarnham Anarchy clocked 26.83 for third, while Charlotte O’Broin added to her tally, when delivering a clear with JBF Riverfield Luxardo for eventual fourth (27.85). Slotting into fifth was Ella Kavanagh and Toberpatrick HI Todd (27.97), while in sixth was Caoimhe Spacey and Hunters Lodge Puissance (28.21).