CLONMEL Racecourse provided a fitting venue for the fifth qualifier for the Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series last weekend. As usual, the Clonmel Show drew bumper entries, with nearly 30 thoroughbreds lining out across the two sections.

In the novice section, it was a return to the show ring for Kate Harrington with the newly-retired Hurricane Ivor. The nine-year-old gelding last ran in March and, after a few weeks in the field, began his retraining journey with Kate at Commonstown Stud.

“He’s taken to it so well, he has such a great attitude to it all and seems to be really enjoying it,” commented a delighted Harrington. “Fiona Carmichael has owned him since he began his racing career in France as a two-year-old and had great success with him on the track.” Harrington and Hurricane Ivor were pulled in first after the initial go-round and continued to impress judge Tim Wiggett, securing their place in the final later this month.

Fresh from their win at Gorey Agricultural Show a few weeks ago, Claire Ricketts and Asterion Forlonge produced another impressive performance to take second place. As the combination had already qualified for the final, third-placed Tara O’Flynn and Ballybrowney Jack will instead take their place in the final at the Tattersalls July Show. The 13-year-old gelding, by Martaline, last raced in 2021 when trained by James Joseph Mangan.

In the open section, eight horses came before judges Tim Wiggett and Michelle Underwood, but it was Ice Cold In Alex and Stephanie Moore who came out on top. Moore is retraining the 12-year-old for owner Charlotte Nolan and describes him as “the little horse who can”.

Speaking after the win, Nolan’s delight couldn’t be contained. “Ice Cold In Alex has always been much more than just another horse in training, he became one of the family. From a yearling sharing a field with a donkey in Wexford to earning over €170,000 on the track, he’s exceeded every expectation. Seeing him now collecting ribbons in the show ring and qualifying for Dublin is incredibly special. He’s always had the most wonderful temperament, and this feels like the perfect second chapter for a horse we’ve all loved for so long.”

Also qualifying for the final in second place were Alannah Budds and Act In Time. Their partnership began long before the show ring. “About six years ago, I was working for the trainer Terence O’Brien and Tom Busteed sourced Act In Time from JP McManus for me to ride in the point-to-point field for a few seasons.”

After multiple placings on the point-to-point field, including a second on their latest outing at Ballinagarry, O’Brien offered Budds the horse on his retirement. “I jumped at the chance to take him after racing. He has a lovely temperament and is so laid back,” commented Budds. The summer looks set to be a busy one for the combination.

“He’s heading to Dungarvan and Wicklow Show now, along with the final, and then he’s also entered for the Dublin Horse Show.”

There are three qualifiers remaining in the Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series: Dungarvan Show on July 12th, Nugentstown Horse and Country Fair on July 19th and the Tattersalls July Show on Saturday, July 25th. The final takes place on Sunday, July 26th at the Tattersalls July Show..