CO Kildare rider Alyssa O’Neill took the bulk of the money on offer at Killossery Lodge Stud last Sunday as she won two of the three Derby classes which were held over a mixture of solid cross-country fences and knockables.

The track, which included two waters, two banks and a ditch, caused plenty of problems throughout the day, resulting in eliminations in many cases. In spite of that, most competitors enjoyed the challenge with the younger riders now preparing to move indoors for the inter-schools’ show jumping leagues which commence next Sunday.

O’Neill struck first in the 90cms class where she recorded the only clear with her seven-year-old gelding Monsieur Jacques who has had four outings under Eventing Ireland rules and competes in intermediate working hunter classes. The bay, who was bred in Co Meath by Carole Douglas, is by the Selle Francais stallion Dow Jones Courcel out of the unraced Byliny (by Archway).

EIGHT PENALTIES

O’Neill also rode Monsieur Jacques in the 1m class where, in spite of eight penalties, he finished second to his stable-companion, the well-known working hunter pony Rathkenny Snap Dragon who was clear. Killossery Stud-based Jessica Cudden was third with the 12-year-old Young Freeman gelding Dont Tell Punch who Ciaran Glynn partnered in the CCI*** at Boekelo in 2011.

Rathkenny Snap Dragon was bred in Co Cavan by Rosemary Lucas Clements. The 14-year-old bay mare, who is by the Irish Sport Horse stallion Lenamore Playboy, won two Under 25 novice events last year at Killossery Lodge and Kedrah Castle.

There was only one finisher in the 80cms class, local Cheval Riding Club member Susan Kennedy claiming the honours with Wilton.