IT was another busy weekend for amateur riders as the Connaught Region played host to their Amateur Championships at Duffy’s Equestrian Centre in Clareglaway last Saturday week. Resident course designer Mark Duffy set the challenge for those riders contesting the four classes held on the day.

In the opening Welcome Stakes, victory belonged to Offaly-based Catherine Egan. Riding Meara Lad, she crossed the line in 32.43 seconds. Almost two seconds behind (34.39) and accounting for second place were Eugene O’Doherty and Drenrow Master Blaster. Although it was a class which was dominated by the visitors, Connaught rider Martin Flesk represented the region in the prize giving when slotting into third place with Killuppaun Magic, clear in 35.30.

The Sticky Bakes Bakery-sponsored Power and Speed proved a happier hunting ground for local riders, with six of the eight places being filled by Connaught Region riders. Adrian Gilmartin and Carnival Cocktail set the pace early when they lodged a clear in 29.66 seconds. It was looking doubtful that he would be caught until Emer Quinn came riding her own Silken Clover and claimed the win by the narrowest of margins when clocking 29.60. In third place was Jennifer Gregg and Lynnwin Lady, clear in 30.10.

Carlow-based rider, Lisa Doyle took victory in the TRI Equestrian-sponsored Derby when she proved fastest in the four-way jump-off in 30.39 aboard Corland’s Clipper. Show organiser Aisling Donoghue took second place with her own Walmore Sport, clear in 31.58. Occupying third place were Clare Moran and Mullybrannon, clear in 33.81.

TENHNICAL COURSE

The final class of the day was the Packhorse-sponsored Grand Prix and with riders facing a technical course, just five booked their place in the section A jump-off. Leading the victory lap in this section was Rebecca Norman and Sweet Ebony, clear in 38.99. Martin Flesk returned to take another prize when he delivered a clear with Killuppaun Magic for second place, clear in 39.22. In third place was John Higgins and Corghanos Dream, clear in 37.77.

In the AA section, three combinations proceeded to the jump-off. Adrian Gilmartin set the time to beat when he lodged a clear in 36.25 with the 10-year-old Kannan mare Carnival Cocktail. Next up, Catherine Egan had an unlucky four faults with Atlas R in 62.78 which would later her see her finish in third.

Last to go in the jump-off, Barbara Fahy took full advantage of the late draw and a daring turn to the second last saw her delivered a clear, in 34.96, to take the win from Gilmartin. Consistent performances throughout the day sealed the Leading Rider award for Co. Sligo’s Adrian Gilmartin. The Leading Rider Award was sponsored by TRI Equestrian and Elite Rosettes.