THE winter sun shone brightly on Barnadown Equestrian Centre last Sunday where Clare Kinsella and Gorey Community School hosted the latest round of the TRI-sponsored Equestrian Interschools League. There was a good and enthusiastic turnout, especially for the novice and primary classes.

The event commenced with the open team competition in Arena 1 and the primary schools in Arena 2.

Good Counsel College riders Oisin Aylward (Rosalie), Ruairi Aylward (Coppenagh Tom Sparrow), Tom O’Shea (Cullintra Golden Daylight) and Killian Murphy (Killone Leo) stormed through a four-way jump-off to the claim the win on the day. Runner-up honours went to host school Gorey Community School who were represented by Emma Steacy (Castlemore Cailin), Emma Carton (Bobbing Robin), Michelle Hughes (Curious Daisy) and Jessica Murphy (Ashwood Bouncer), with Newbridge College riders Niamh Flinter (Classie Lass), Caragh Sweeney (Kippure Steepleview Jack), Niamh Behan (Mullabaloo) and Max Ross (Ballydavid Soux) in third.

A mixed team from Gorey Community School and Creagh College were fourth. Borris Vocational school were unlucky to finish the qualifying rounds on four faults but this was still good enough for fifth place. Also on four faults but slower were St Gerard’s Bray who came sixth. Wesley College claimed the final league point in seventh place.

Points are taking on importance now with the top five team places in the league invited to represent Ireland at the Blue Grass Interschools Championships at Balmoral in May.

JOY FOR FLINTER

The open individual league event was well supported and first place went to Niamh Flinter and Classie Lass, representing Newbridge College, who set a very fast pace that could not be beaten. Emma Carton and Bobbing Robin gave it a good try and their result was good enough for second. Vivien Lesley took both the third and sixth places. Peter Dillon came fourth and Lauren Bailey was fifth.

There was an excellent standard of jumping in the Horse Sport Ireland-sponsored 1.10m class.

Jessica Murphy (Ashwood Bouncer) set the fastest time to take the win. Ciara Walsh, representing Presentation Kilkenny, and Eric were runners-up ahead of Mark Finnerty, who qualified two horses – Dorada Royale in third and All Action in sixth.

The already qualified Oisin Aylward and Bendix, representing Good Counsel, came fourth and he also claimed a qualifying slot for Oughterard Diva, who finished fifth.

Prizes for this were sponsored by Darren Hughes of RSS, who presented these to the winners. Alyssa O’Neill from Horse Sport Ireland was on hand to present the qualifying rosettes.

The novice team event was claimed by the mixed team of Loreto Wexford with St Mary’s New Ross, with in second Kilkenny College and St David’s Greystones, and in third Presentation Wexford.

Primary honours went to Drumphea National School followed by the Gorey Central and Ballycanew team and in third the Kilraine, Tagoat, Greystones NS team.

COMPETITIVE

There was a very exciting novice individual which was open to both novice and primary riders. A total of 30 riders lined out for this event. First and second place went to the Adams siblings Maisie riding Dimples Dilemma and Lauren riding Killaloe Gypsy. Ava Lynch on Mysterious Melody claimed third.

The action moves west this weekend to Duffy’s Equestrian Centre where Salerno Secondary School, Salthill, Co Galway, are the hosts tomorrow (Sunday).