THE latest leg of the TRI Equestrian-sponsored Interschools League, held in Mullingar Equestrian last Sunday, was a most enjoyable day for all involved.
Open honours were claimed by the experienced team from Borris Vocational - Catherine Kavanagh on Coppenagh Blitz, Tomas Kearney on Newtown Harry, Barry James Kavanagh on Tankardstown Gold Dust and Tadhgh Kearney on Ballydarton Chipson - following an exciting jump-off. St Gerard’s Bray, represented by Kirstie Connole riding Zazu Temple Steel, Jennifer Robinson on My Jasper, Harry Fitzpatrick (Rising Sapphire) and Mark Finnerty (Emma), took the runner-up slot with the Newbridge College white team of Caragh Sweeney on Kippure Steepleview Jack, Leah Heffernan on My Rockstown Two, Leah Ross on Beyond Precision and Emily O’Brien riding Garnavilla Bob taking third place. Local school CBS Mullingar came fourth ahead of King’s Hospital in fifth and the Newbridge College black team in sixth.
The open individual contest followed and a blistering performance secured the win for Mark Finnerty on Emma representing St Gerard’s. Rachel Ross riding Kilnantic Brownie was second for Newbridge College with King’s Hospital pupil Georgie Connolly Carew riding Coolteen Diamond in third place. The remaining league points were gained by Ana Summers, Harry Fitzpatrick and Charlie Drumm.
The HSI-sponsored 1.10m class attracted a good entry. Victory here went again to Mark Finnerty, this time partnering All Action for St Gerard’s. Anna Mooney from Presentation Tuam rode Dexter Neam Prancer into second place. Finnerty took third on Emma with Emer Hegarty riding the Dam Buster for St Mary’s Naas in fourth. Mermus, ridden by Lisa Gerbola Bushaway from St Finian’s, took fifth and Cosheen Cody and Sophie Carroll from Newbridge College were sixth. Seventh and eight were Emma Egan on Pantomime and Edel Whyte riding Abel Star. Since both Finnerty riding Emma and Anna Mooney and Dexter Neam Prancer are already qualified, both Egan and Whyte qualify for the final.
Scoil Mhuire Trim (Ozzie and Abbey Douglas, Elaine Cassidy and Cavalier Striker, Grace Evans (Duke) and Ruth Keegan on Aero Sports Horse) claimed the novice team event ahead of Oakland Community School in second and Newbridge College in third. The novice individual class saw victory for Niamh Behan riding Mullabaloo for Newbridge College. Alanna Fagan riding Little Bob was second and Anna Crossley third. The combined team of Gael Scoil An Chuilinn and Sonna NS won the primary team event.
Galway Equestrian Centre hosted the first of its two events on St Patrick’s Day. The final event before the action-packed grand finale will also be in Galway with a last chance to qualify for the 1.10m class.