THE 19th annual Munster Amateur Indoor Show took place last weekend at the Ennis Showgrounds, attracting over 170 entries over the two days between six competitions.

Peter O’Brien put together an inviting track for the Welcome Stakes with a starting list of 47 riders. Galway’s Rebecca Norman with her reliable Sweet Ebony took the win the A section, with John Cullinan winning the AA section with Katzenjammer.

There were 31 entries in the one round speed clas where Aisling McGrath came out on top with nearly three seconds to spare with Ti Amo Darcy in a time of 42.47. Her nearest rival on a time of 45.22 was Denise Jackman with Cruising the Ring and third place went to Marie Crosse with St. Helene in 45.32.

The much anticipated Derby over a very exciting course of cross-country jumps, water trays, bushes and stiles and straw bales saw 26 riders forward. Heather Aherne and Canty Bobalong produced a fabulous clear round, which proved scarce afterwards. Only four clears made it through to the jump-off, in which Aisling Donoghue and Walmore Sport took the spoils. Second went to Emer Quinn and Silken Clover, third was divided between Heather Aherne and Ken Lowry on Cliona Clover.

As always, the grand finale of Saturday night was the Puissance, with six brave horses and riders taking it on, a mix of both amateurs and young riders fighting it out for a tonne of feed.

Aisling Donoghue reclaimed her title from two years ago with Walmore Sport jumping 1.66m and winning the Amateur Section. Padraig Hayes from Tipperary took the win in the non-amateur section. The other four riders were Tara Brandon, Stephen Connor, Roisin Ni Cheallaig and John Gallagher, all advanced to the fourth round.

Last Sunday some 32 riders took on the power and speed course. Derrick Burke and Tyreda Chip blazed around in 34.23, taking the win for the second year in a row, just pipping Aisling McGrath and Ti Amo Darcys time of 34.31. Third went to Martin Flesk and Killuppaun Magic in a time of 36.13.

In the Grand Prix, 32 starters went to post. Rachael Cushen and Calypso Darco Diamond, last to go in the jump-off, knew what they had to do to take the title, jumping a double clear in a very fast 40.14 where little separated the top six placings.