Emer Bermingham

THE CWD Pony and Children on Horses Spring Tour got off to a great start last weekend with the Connaught region playing host to two rounds of the tour.

Last Saturday, action kicked off in Tubberbride Riding Centre while on Sunday, the spotlight shifted to Ard Chuain EC where there was another good turn out. It was an important day for these young riders as team manager Gary Marshall, assisted by Keith Griffin and SJI high performance representative Liz Brennan, were present on both days, viewing riders’ performances.

Victory in the 148/1.20m division went to Tyrone native Eve Donnelly when she crossed the line with nothing to add in 30.53 seconds with the newly acquired seasoned campaigner Dr. Spot.

Fractions divided the next placing as Charlotte Houston and Blessington Grange Mist clocked 31.10. Eve Donnelly was back to collect another ribbon when she partnered He’s No Joker into third, clear in 32.42. Jason Foley made no mistake with Lynncot Fancy Pants and a clear in 33.67 ensured him fourth place. Cora Sharkey’s more cautious approach paid off as she lodged a clear with Bertas Clover/Cora Sharkey in 34.27 for fifth, ahead of Abigail Boland and Little Miss Burberry in 34.52.

Sunday’s action moved to Ard Chuain where riders were well prepared for a second day of competition. Once again, the children on horses (1.10- 1.20m) were first out. Following on from their results on the first day, Oscar Bourke Mullaney (Impressionist Dream), Ciaran Nallon (Cornet’s Little) and Charlotte Houston (Butuela) all delivered clear rounds. Also maintaining a clean sheet and sharing first place was Robyn Moran and Deacon Que.

Abbie Sweetnam ended her season on a high note last year when dominating proceeding in the Pony Owners and Young Riders Charity Show Millstreet and she opening her 2016 season in the same fashion with victory in the 148 HSI Trial (1.30m). Riding Dynamite Spartacus, she clocked the winning time of 38.30.

Similarly Ciaran Nallon, who also had a tremendous year in 2015, kick-started his season when claiming second place with Dibidoe, clear in 39.35. Nallon was also fastest of the four faulters with Sligo Little James (36.73) for fifth. Cian Harrison made his presence felt as he delivered a clear with Greta III in 39.54 for third. Although Kate Derwin erred on the side of caution, four faults with Vales Blue Melody (39.84) saw her take sixth.

Placed fourth in the 128cm (1m) with Some Journey, Alex Finney made no mistake on this occasion as he took the win with Ballyknock Master Roan when clear in 28.43. Winner of the opening round, Francis Derwin continued his good show of form as he claimed the runner-up spot with Buachaill Baire when clear in 28.45 and third with Essenar Jinja Ninja, clear in 28.97. Fourth place was occupied by Ryan Sweetnam, who delivered a clear in 29.06 aboard The Silver Legend. Just 0.3 seconds behind was Tom Wachman and Little Jack Spratt in 29.09 while 0.6 seconds behind (29.15) was Max Foley and Sparkel.

DOUBLE DELIGHT

Eve Donnelly topped off her great weekend as she partnered Dr Spot to another win in the 148cm (1.20m). Louise Mahon also put in a gallant attempt and, although she kept the poles in place, her time of 39.54 saw her take the runner-up spot. Third place belonged to Ruairi Clarke and Knockroe Little Mike clear in 40.16, ahead of Cora Sharkey and Bertas Clover in 40.98. Kate Derwin added to her haul as she accounted for fifth place with Springhill Rebellious in 41.24 while Katie Conlon and Ballybaloo clear in 43.61 did enough to take sixth place.

Victory in the 138 (1.10m) went to Cork rider Lucy Shanahan and Creative Dancer who lodged a clear in 36.29 seconds. Francis Derwin was narrowly beaten when stopping the clock in 36.81 seconds aboard Sligo Lux To Queeny. The new partnership of Katie Power and Bear Me in Mind were over a second behind in 37.93 for third, ahead of Ciaran Nallon and Never Last Spartacus in 38.52.

Leah Stack picked up another rosette as she partnered Amber Leaf into fifth, clear in 38.64, while Robyn Moran and Western Oreo took sixth, clear in 38.95