Emer Bermingham
IT was a busy weekend for pony riders competing at Cavan’s Autumn Championships. As always, it was a full packed schedule which catered for all levels of riders. On Sunday, all eyes turned to those contenders battling it out for a championship title.
First up, the 128cms under 10 riders took to the main arena and taking the honours was Kian Dore (Drumcaghey Jacko). Dore was chased home by Jack Conlon-Gateau, who slotted into second with Hinderton May Princess. Third place belonged to Jemima Heffron and Miss Elegant.
Leading the victory lap in the 128 90cms championship was Derry native Karla O’Donnell aboard Dawn’s Little Princess. The runner-up slot was accounted for by Lewis Trenier (Ms Blueberry), ahead of Leo Dunne (PARC Popper).
The 128 1m championship came down to the wire with little separating the top three places in the line-up. Taking victory was Ashley Dunne on Marjorie Dunne’s Wingland Heloise. The combination were the only ones to stay within the 31-second barrier, clocking 30.60 to take the crown. Tom Wachman tried hard with Murphy Spartacus but a double clear in 31.54 proved only good enough for second. Wachman also took sixth place with Heartbreaker when fastest of the four-faulters in 31.23.
It was a good day for the Wachmans as Max steered Little Jack Spratt into third when clear in 31.58. John McEntee also recorded a double clear with Star Spangled Banner in 32.86 for eventual fourth. Niamh McEvoy’s decision to play it safe with Sparkling Majestic Caeser paid off as she delivered a clear in 34.25 for fifth.
138cms championships
Erin Crawford and Sundance Prince emerged as winners of the 138 90cms championship while Morgan Cummins (North Star) had to settle for the runner-up spot. Cerys Howell took third place with Glenairley Miss Moneypenny.
A familiar name on the pony circuit, John Murray took the 138 1m championship with Ruscai Earl Boy. Ashley Dunne was back in the ribbons taking the runner-up spot with Boten Anna, ahead of Oscar Bourke Mullaney (Dunlewey Redshank).
Jason Foley added another title to his impressive record as he took the 138 1m championship. Riding Ann Derwin’s Buttons, he recorded the winning time of 30.74. Foley went on to dominate this championship taking second with Bear Me In Mind when clear in 30.78 and third with Ferrybank Roy, clear in 32.99. Eve Donnelly took the more cautious approach with Kiltormer Dan and she clocked 35.88, good enough for fourth. Aisling McGuinness clear with Cider Girl in 40.22 secured her fifth place. Harry Allen proved that the time could be beaten as he clocked 30.67 with Fountain Ranger but it came at a price as he recorded four faults which meant a sixth place finish for the Wexford rider.
148cms championships
Kate McKeown took the first of the 148cms championships as she rode to victory in the 90cms section with Malstone Murphy. Second place belonged to Lauren McGarry and Niles Boy while Jennifer Torrens and Bellindene Fagin accounted for third.
Victory in the 148 1m championship belong to Tiernan Gray and Oxview Dawn. Niall McEvoy put in a strong performance with Dooneens Be My Baby to take the runner-up spot. Third place belonged to Gavin Daly (Concannon’s Fernando).
Following a tough competition, the 148 1.10m championship saw a divide. Both Olivia Roulston (Apache Gold) and Kerrie Kerr (Knockannaveigh Limited Edition) shared the honours. Michael Roche’s picked up another prize as he partnered Dunroe Bridie into third.
Victory in the 148 Coolmore-sponsored Grand Prix stayed north as Tyrone rider Michael Roche led the victory lap. Riding Shravgh Boy, he was almost a second faster than his closest rival when clocking 36.40. Roche picked up another placing when he recorded a clear with Bellegrove Diva in 50.24 for eventual sixth. Harry Allen was back in the ribbons, claiming second with Acapella Z when clear in 37.57. Sean Monaghan steered Dunally Black Jack into third when clear in 39.52, ahead of Kayleigh Soden and Boolagh Gypsy Boy, clear in 39.95. Katie Conlon opted for the longer lines with Ballybaloo and it paid off as she recorded a clear in 48.56 for fifth.
In the children on horses division, Amy Robert’s Hickory Hill took the honours in the one-metre class while Ellie Humphries and Rose of Connaught won the 1.10m/1.20m handicap.