Emer Bermingham
WINNER of the opening round of the CWD Spring Tour at Tubberbride, Francis Derwin continued this good show of form as he piloted Essenar Jinja Ninja to another win at Wexford EC.
Recording a double clear in 27.30 seconds to win the 128cms division, they were almost a second faster than Alex Finney and Ballyknock Master Roan, clear in 28.29.
Not content with the runner-up spot, Finney also collected third place with Some Journey when he delivered another clear in 29.68. In the placings in the first round, Kian Dore added to his tally when he slotted into fourth place with Drumcaghey Jacko, clear in 31.25.
A safe clear in 32.43 paid off for Aine Shorthall and Toorboy Tommy as they slotted into fifth place, ahead of Eabha Cassidy and Charlie in 34.54, who incidentally occupied the same position last week.
Winner of the 138cms division last week with Mayfly Green Peter, Max Foley returned this weekend to claim victory in the 138cms section. Riding his own nine-year-old Sandy, he clocked the fastest time of the 13 double clears, finishing in 23.30.
Robyn Moran had to contend with the runner-up spot for the second week as she slotted in behind Foley with Jo McMahon’s Western Oreo (23.74). Katie Power made no mistakes with Bear Me In Mind but a time of more than a second behind the winner meant a third place finish for the Waterford rider.
Francis Derwin made a dent in the placings last weekend and he added to his points tally when claiming fourth place with Sligo Lux To Queeney when clear in 24.82. Max Wachman and Dycott Masterman slotted into fifth as they crossed the line in 24.89, ahead of Lucy Shanahan and Creative Dancer, clear in 25.36.
Runner-up in the 148cms Horse Sport Irealand trial last week, Ciaran Nallon went one better this time as he led the victory lap in the 148cms spring tour. Riding Sandra Duffy’s nine-year-old mare Fizzula, he put in a blistering round and was over two seconds faster than his closest rival at 36.86.
Kate Derwin also had a good opening round and her good form continued as she took the runner-up place with Talyas Diamond Link, clear in 39.07. Orla Duffy and Boston Burgler kept all the poles in place, albeit in the slower time of 39.66 for third place.
Longer route
Ruairi Aylward’s decision to take the longer routes with Coppenagh Tom Sparrow paid dividends as a clear round in 40.70 saw them take fourth place, ahead of Ruairi Clarke and Knockroe Little Mike (42.92). Katie Conlon and Ballybaloo completed the top six line-up when they delivered a clear in 44.94.
The 148cms/1.30m competition, which is used as viewing class for Fontainebleau, saw only two of the 17 combinations proceed to the jump-off. Taking the win was John Murray riding Mathius who picked up four faults in 36.26, while Ruairi Clarke and Knockroe Little Mike slotted into the runner-up spot when they crossed the line with eight faults in 40.61.
Winning the children on horses section by delivering the only double clear were James Smyth and Breemount Rocket, while Theo Van Cauwenberge and Quantum Quest had an unlucky four faults in the second round. Placed third in the tour last year, Van Cauwenberge will be looking to clock up points early in the tour this year.
Victory in the 128cms/90cms warm-up class went to Isabelle Hughes Kennedy riding Headmore Little Lightning. The 138cms/1m class was won by Sarah Fitzgerald and Future Memories.
The 148cms warm-up class had 76 starters. Taking the honours here was Shane Moloney with Deirdre Bourns’ Summer Blaze. The next round of the CWD Spring Tour takes place in Cavan tomorrow (Sunday).