WITH only a handful of places still available for the Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series Final, all roads led to the Tattersalls July Show where there were bumper entries across both classes. With nearly 40 entries across the two qualifiers, Ms Joanna Jack (Ride Judge) and Mr John Gilliver MRCVS (Conformation Judge) had a tough job ahead of them.

In the Novice section, Amy Kinane and Khaafaq were pulled in first place in the initial placings and, after a foot-perfect show piece, they maintained their place at the top of the line up.

This partnership previously won a qualifier at Raheendaw Horse and Pony Show last month and have their sights on the final at Iverk Show. The 10-year-old by Helmet amassed nearly €80,000 on the track when trained by Andrew Slattery, winning eight times.

Taking second place was Landue ridden by Ava Stubbs, another combination to have won a qualifier earlier in the season. Also a 10-year-old gelding, Landue retired from racing in 2023 and, after a few quiet months, he was rehomed by Lana Cheney. After an unfortunate accident, Cheney handed over the reins to her niece Ava and the partnership has blossomed since. Qualification for the final was handed down to Caoilfhionn Rhynne and Country of Poets, third, and Chloe Ahern and Salseros, fourth.

The open section saw a return visit to the top spot for Native River and Emily McMahon who once again wowed the judges to take the win. Speaking after the class, McMahon was so thankful to Tom Malone and Native River’s owners, Garth and Anne Broom, for allowing her to have him for a few months.

“He’ll have an easy few days now and then just continue with some hacking as normal and a little bit of flatwork before he goes to the Dublin Horse Show.”

Slievenamon John and Sabrina Harty, winner of the Novice Final of this series in 2024, stood second in the competitive class. The now nine-year-old by Waldpark finished his racing career in 2022 and has been enjoying life in the Harty’s yard since then. “He showed ability in his racing career, but his wind and allergies hindered him.” The gelding shows great presence and is described by Harty as “a gent from day one”. As the winner had previously qualified, third placed Bobby Cool and Liisa Rantamaki will take the qualification for the final.

The last qualifier takes place this weekend at Castleblayney Show on August 4th.