Emer Bermingham

PONY riders were in action again last week, as they competed for a share of the spoils at the Irish Breeders Classic in Barnadown. Along with the pony Grand Prix classes, the finals of the Chillax league, which offered €1,000 in each division, took place over the course of the weekend, in a conclusion to the seven-leg series which began at Galway in April.

Saturday’s action began with the 128cms final for four and five-year-old ponies, where Emma O’Connor riding Are You Nearly There Yet, lodged a clear in 36.82 seconds to take victory. The 128cms six and seven-year-old final saw just five double clear rounds. Leading the victory lap was Tipperary’s Alexander Hourigan and Twin Cam, who finished clear in 37.18.

The 138cms four and five-year-old division was won by J Naughton aboard Oh Dakota Justice, when they crossed the line carrying four faults in 46.18. Ruairi Aylward and Coppenagh Celtic Rebel finished just three tenths of a second ahead of his closest rival to snatch victory in the 138cms six and seven-year-old final.

Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan rode to victory in the 148 four and five-year-old final. Riding Ballinabarna Lady, he was fastest of the four double clears in 32.41. In the 148 six and seven-year-old final, Olivia Roulston added another win with Annaghmore Boomahontas, the Tyrone rider recording the winning time of 40.89.

The Chillax league winners will be announced by Showjumping Ireland next week.

Grand Prix

Jack Ryan once again rode to victory in the 148cms 1.20m Leinster Grand Prix, riding Sixmile Waterblaze, he crossed the line almost two seconds faster than his closest rivals..

The 138cms 1.10m Leinster Grand Prix proved very competitive, with 29 riders going to post. Jason Foley partnered Bear Me In Mind to victory when clear in 33.72. In the 128cms one-metre Grand Prix, Marta Hughes Bravo and Little Miss Big Time led the victory lap, crossing the line in 34.47.