YOUNG riders flocked to Cavan Equestrian for its popular annual Easter Pony Show which hosted a packed schedule over three days.
Last Sunday, riders contested the Coolmore 148cms 1.10m championship were Valions Atlanta and Vimy Hero emerged victorious when they clocked 28.16 seconds.
Taking the runner-up spot was Abbie Sweetnam riding Revel Diamond in 28.71, ahead of Ellie Humphries and Prospect Eddie in 29 flat. Fourth belonged to Erin McCormack and Mr Bozz in 29.28, while Royna Benson and Delphi Sammy slotted into fifth in 29.32. Robyn Moran and Lettermore Boy completed the top six line-up in 29.82.
In the Coolmore-sponsored 128-1m Grand Prix, victory went to Aine Shortall and Toorboy Tommy when they clocked the winning time of 30.35.
Over a second behind were Matthew Conlon and The Silver Legend in 31.97, ahead of Katie McEntee and Star Spangled Banner in 33.58. Fourth went to James Derwin and Ballyknock Master Roan, who clocked 35.19. Kian Dore and Kilcreene Basil clocked 36.82 for fifth, ahead of Ben Crawford and Ardfry Sarabi in 37.73.
Later, all eyes turned to the Coolmore 138-1.10m Grand Prix where the win went to Shaunie Greig riding Foleys Pony’s Buttons Two in an unbeatable 30.28. Alex Finney slotted into second when he crossed the line in 33.07 with Keogans Boy.
The Foley family picked up another prize as Max Foley slotted into third with Mayfly Green Peter, ahead of Shaunie Greig and Lily Clover in 34.22. Little separated the next placings as Natasha Kerr was fractions behind on Aille Stewy in a time of 34.29, ahead of Ava Shortall and Dizzy Rascal in 34.32.
Jason Foley picked up another prize when he lodged the winning round in the Coolmore 148-1.20m Grand Prix. Riding More Clover, he proved unbeatable in 38.27.
Taking the runner-up spot was Emma McEntee and Mr Bunny, in 39.59. Abbie Sweetnam delivered another good result when she clocked 41.89 with Perseus Spartacus, while Jack McKeon took fourth with Maumeen Miley in 42.02.
Sarah O’Donnell and Orchid’s Vienna slotted into fifth when fractions behind in 42.70, ahead of Robyn Moran and Parkroe Dundee in 44.78.
Championships
With Balmoral looming, it came as no surprise that the qualifier in the 128-85cms U10’s was hotly contested.
Taking the honours were Tabitha Kyle and Corey’s Princess, ahead of Lauren Adams and Killaloe Gypsey. Slotting into third was Paddy Reape and Northlight Giorgio.
Victory in the 128-90cms final belonged to Olivia Devereaux and Munsboro Plunkett, and it was a good day for Lauren Murphy as she partnered Troglan into second and Taggarts Express into third.
In the 138-90cms final, Alannah Perrin claimed the red rosette with Dizzy Rascal. Rue McNamara followed closely behind with Tullibads Silver Mine for second, while Freya Sayle and Meath’s Monty accounted for third.
Following a strong performance, Aaron John Killoran and Seapatrick Total Eclipse emerged as winners in the 138-1m final. Killoran was chased home by Lewis Trenier, who slotted into second with My Diamond, ahead of Carragh Charlton and Western Oreo.
Jennifer Torrens and Aughavannon Marguerite proved unbeatable in the 148cms 90cms, while Charlotte Greer and Flash Molly slotted into second, ahead of Hannah Marie Slater and Ballykeelaune Euro.
The final championship, the 148 1m, went down to the wire and taking the honours was Jordyn Magill riding Cashmir Jumper. In second was Caitlin Glennon and Lonesome Luke while Elsi Jacques and Westward Sunshine took third.