Masterson makes an impression

WHILE some might disagree with the maxim ‘winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing’, it certainly holds true when you are competing in the final qualifier for the racehorse to riding horse class at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show and only the winner will be given an invitation.

There was a big entry as the afternoon action commenced in Ring 2 and very nearly a big pile up, when riders were asked to change rein by the showing commentator, Peter Quirke. Happily, that was the only real issue on the day, with all horses given plenty of time in the go-around and under ride judge Victoria Teuton; conformation was assessed by Jenny Connell.

Having tried to qualify for the past three years and having contested three previous qualifiers this season, the Carolan family from Kells were delighted when Sharon topped the final line-up with Masterson. Chloe Ahern finished second on the 11-year-old French-bred gelding Salseros, just ahead of Claire Connors on the nine-year-old Ocovango gelding Creggs Cross.

Bred by Star Pointe Ltd, the 12-year-old grey gelding Masterson is by Lawman out of the Indian Ridge mare Indian Dumaani, who won four times in Italy and comes from the family of Maroof and Desert King. He was first trained in England by Mick Channon, winning once at two, twice at three and three times at four. Over the summer of 2017, Masterson joined the Gordon Elliott yard and, in the colours of Noel Moran of Bective House Stud, he won a novice hurdle at Clonmel that September.

He then spent some time pony racing before joining the Carolan yard, where he is ridden by all members of the family. He is very well-known on the Irish Pony Club circuit, competing for the Meath Branch, and, under Sharon’s 16-year-old Emma-Jo, will be contesting the pure dressage at the upcoming IPC Festival in Barnadown (July 22nd to 24th).