IT was another busy weekend for pony riders as they competed in the September Autumn Championships at Cavan last weekend. As always, the venue proved popular with top combinations making the trip in a bid to take one of the titles on offer.

In the 128cms division, James Derwin demonstrated his talent last Saturday when he took the win in the 128-1m jump-off class with the ever reliable Ballyknock Master Roan. Another familiar face at Cavan, Alexandra Hourigan and Twin Cam took second place, ahead of Ellen Power and Sasha.

The 128-85cm Under 10s saw a win for Kilkenny as Warrington-based Emily Moloney took the win with her father Eddie’s Magneto Cobra. In second place were Gracie Bright and Rossdama Beauty. Winner of the Glencarraig league alongside Emily Moloney and claiming third place on this occasion was Isobel Sheehan riding Flash Dance.

Leading the victory lap in the 128-U10s Championship Autumn Pony Tour was Alana Roulston riding Rosemary Clements’ Derryvane Storm, while in second place were Donagh McGrath and Golden Island Sparky. Following a series of good results the day before, Charlotte Geer and Ryan’s Mystery added to their haul when taking third place.

Dylan Harry Torren and Jumper emerged as the winners in the 128-90cms Championship Autumn Pony Tour, while Masie Adams and Dimple Dilema had to contend with second place on this occasion. Filling third place was Ellen Power, riding Sasha.

Winner of the 128cms Pony Premier final in Portmore and second in the Ulster Masters, Marta Hughes Bravo once again guided Little Miss Big Time to a win in the 128-1m Championship (Autumn Pony Tour). Hughes defied the challenge of Brian Egan and Dromore Hill Boy. Occupying third place were Leo Dunne and Wingland Heloise.

138cms

In the 138cms division, the competition went down to the wire. Taking the honours in the 138-80cm Autumn Pony Tour was Freya Sayle riding Patrice Hanna’s Lady of the Curragh. Tyler Houston put in a gallant attempt with Dunshane Sir Percival but had to settle for the runner-up spot, ahead of Calum McVeigh and Lily Clover.

It was a worthwhile journey from Mayo for Stephen Gibbons as he claimed the 138-90cm Championship (Autumn Pony Tour) aboard Niall Carey’s The Hilly Billy. Taking the runner-up spot were Cork rider Stephen O’Reilly and Kilkern Mist, ahead of Annie Gibson and Mister Pebbles.

Victory in the 138-1m Championship belonged to Conor Harris and Lenamore Lena. This was the second good result of late for this combination having won the 138cms 1m Ulster region Autumn Pony League in Portmore. Stephen O’Reilly returned to take another runner-up spot as he slotted into second place with Kilkern Mist. Brian Egan’s solid performance with Lannon Barney ensured this partnership third place.

Placed second in the 138cm 1.10m Grand Prix in the northern pony championships last month, Niamh McEvoy, riding Brian Moran’s Riot Del Pegulil, went one better in Cavan, taking the win in the 138-1.10m Championship (Autumn Pony Tour). Claiming second place were Ava Shortall and Dizzy Rascal. A familiar face in the winners’ enclosure, Isobel Hughes riding Coppenagh Celtic Rebel accounted for eventual third place. This pairing also took the win in the 138cms 1m two-phase and fourth place in the 138-1.10m jump-off class.

148cms

Winners of the 148cms Ulster Masters Grand Prix in Portmore last month, Carlow rider Jason Foley added to his impressive record sheet when he led the victory lap in the 148-1.20m Grand Prix, riding Clover. Foley was chased home by Emma McEntee, riding Fintan Lalor’s Silver Scott. Claiming third place were Samuel Wilson and Soul Rebel, while fourth place belonged to the RDS champion Alex Finney and Dirraw Caleb. Finney didn’t go home too disappointed as she had won the earlier 138cm 1.10m jump-off class with Dolly Du Carel. Slotting into fifth place was Ellie Humphries, riding Allison Mercer’s Mini Skinny, ahead of the winners of the 148cms two-phase, Orla Henry and Where’s My Colour.

Winners of the young pony championship in the RDS for the past two years, Seamus Hughes Kennedy and Hunky Dory moved up a gear as they took the honours in the 148cms 1.20m jump-off class with Keatingtown Hunky Dory. Taking the runner-up spot were Robin Carey and Ballywalter Farms’s Chocolate Sauce, ahead of Caragh Charlton and Woodfield Superstar.

Following a successful summer season, John Murray added to his record when he took the win in the 148-1.10m Championship (Autumn Pony Tour) with Paul Fynes’s Irish Builder. Katie Power didn’t hang about and a good performance aboard Power’s Carrigeen Moores saw her slot into second place, ahead of Westmeath native, Ben Welton riding Carnalecka Quickstep.

Alana Roulston took the win in the 148-90cm Championship (Autumn Pony Tour) when she lodged the winning round with Rosemary Clement’s Derryvane Storm. Donagh McGrath added to his winnings when he partnered Golden Island Sparky into second place. Claiming third was Charlotte Greer, riding John English’s Ryans Mystery.

Winners of the 148-1m Championship (Autumn Pony Tour) were Katie McLaughlin and Double Trouble. Lewis Trenier put in a gallant attempt aboard Timmy McCormick’s Princess Nora but had to settle for second place, ahead of Ellen Kenny and Kenny’s Shirsheen Kylie.

Children on Horses

Orla Duffy and Frederic 139 emerged as the winners of the children on horses 1.10m class. Duffy was chased home by Jodie Creighton and Newmarket Alloy, ahead of Daryl Somerville and Robbie Topping’s Paris Delux.

Following his good results in the pony arena, Lewis Trenier showed his talent as he rode to victory in the 1.10m/1.20m Handicap (Autumn Pony Tour) aboard Niall O’Doherty’s Lanzamore. Not content with the win, he also took fourth place with Royana De Clairias.

Ellie Humphreys and Sumas Duiske took second place, ahead of Nicholas Bothwell and Sparkling Equine’s Cheeky Blonde.