THE Boomerang Starfinder kicked off last weekend at Hollypark Stables in Co Limerick with 36 combinations battling it out in the 148 1.10m six and seven-year-old class. This league has been particularly successful in producing young ponies that have gone on to achieve success on the international stage.

In April this year, Charlie Flynn won the 1.30m Grand Prix CSIO YJPCh in Compiègne with his pony Montana. This combination had won the Boomerang Star Finder in 2024. Similarly, Kian Dore Sparkling Lackamore Joey went on to claim a gold medal in the Europeans and was the Starfinder winner 2021.

A high calibre of riders featured on Saturday’s startlist with Sam Widger and Charlie Flynn taking first and second place, respectively. Both these riders have taken their place on Nations Cup teams and no doubt ponies in this league will go on to great careers. Out of the original starters, 18 lodged double clears.

Widger claimed victory with the Mermus R-sired seven-year-old Grantstown Dazzle, when double clear in 24.60. Flynn took the runner-up spot with the six-year-old Royal Remark in 24.65. This mare is by Quannan R out of the Kannan sired Lyjanero Lad.

Alice Moloney also maintained a clean sheet with the seven-year-old MHS Colorado in a time of 26.14 for third place. Bred by Thomas Brennan, the gelding is by Quidam Junior I out of Gowran Lady.

Jack Dore and the Michael O’ Sullivan and Carl Dore-owned WHS Classic Illusion came home with nothing to add in 26.52 for fourth place. The seven-year-old mare was bred by her owner Michael O’ Sullivan by Milchem Classic Edition out of Wineport Q Junior. The dam recently won the 148cm Dublin Horse Show qualifier at the Meadows under the command of Ruben Foley.

Ted Fagan and the six-year-old Little Miss Susie left all the poles standing in 26.62 for fifth place ahead of Saoirse O’Neill and the six-year-old Corona Boy in sixth (27.36).