THE Waterford/Tipperary Branch of SJI ran their league finals for horses at Ballinamona Equestrian Centre, last Sunday and the wonderful facilities were thoroughly enjoyed on what was a beautiful, sun-drenched winter’s day.

These finals were the culmination of the summer/autumn season in the region and a fabulous day’s competition was enjoyed.

The sponsorship provided by Fennell’s Garage & Test Centre, Eclipse Haylage, Denn Horse & Pony Feeds, Ballinamona Equestrian Centre and Ardmore Equine was the perfect incentive for great competition.

Fennell’s Garage & Test Centre put up a €1,000 for the 1m final and were rewarded with a thrilling contest.

It was Shane O’Brien and Dicksgrove Bellatrix who topped the line-up after a magnificent battle with Sean Dooley following closely on Wipeout and not far behind Cassie Bolster took third with Dragon Warrior.

A great day

Denise Hanrahan had a great day with her two horses and Comeragh Cruise contributed with fourth here followed home by the Ardmore Equine Leading Mare of the league Autumn Breeze ridden by Robert Wattees who also won the Annsfort Cup as leader of this 1m league making it a very special day for him.

The winner of the Eclipse Haylage 90cms final was Carol Fogarty and Ballyglane who stole ahead of Jennifer Moore and her marvellous servant Genoveva Galante Gaza who also took the trophy for the leading horse/rider combination in this league.

Third spot was filled by Denise Hanrahan and her young promising TC Quality Cruise.

PERFECT START

Earlier in the day, Denn Horse & Pony Feeds sponsored the 80cms final and Jennifer Moore with Genoveva Galante Gaza got the perfect start to her day when winning the top prize ahead of Veronica McNamara and her lovely coloured Prince Bailey.

Last year’s winner Jenny Costello and Dancing Queen were third this time and for good measure won the Raher Family Trophy as the leading combination of this 80cms league.

REWARDS

Ballinamona Equestrian Centre sponsored the new 1.10m class and reaping the rewards was Stephanie Cunningham and her wonderful mare Silverglen Wishing Well who also successfully events.

The finals were superbly run by Ballinamona and the Waterford/Tipperary Branch SJI thanked all the staff for their fantastic contribution.