Emer Bermingham

YOUNG riders flocked to the Showjumping Ireland National Pony Championships at Ennis recently to compete for national titles.

Cormac Foley was crowned the National Pony Rider Champion, based on points accumulated, while Cormac Hanley was crowned the National Young Rider Champion (see page A66 for more).

In the pony arena, all eyes were on the Premier Series competition, where the winner of the youngest division, the 128cms under-10 class was Brian Kuehnle. Riding Parc Crème Brulee, he went clear in 29.63.

Kuehnle also took fifth with Dooneens Electric (34.79), while Orlaith Ryan scorched home in 29.66 with Little Bob for second. Ryan Sweetnam slotted into third with Sterling Spartacus, going clear in 29.76, ahead of Eric Mellerick and Fidra Star (33.25). Lewis Trenier took sixth place with Trendy Taz (28.37).

Ciaran Nallon added another victory to his record card as he partnered The Silver Legend to victory in the 128cms section, clear in 29.87 seconds. From the 26 finalists, just three delivered triple clears. Taking second place was John McEntee riding Star Spangled Banner (34.76), while Darragh Sharkey delivered the next quickest round with Lisboy Black magic (36.44)

138cms division

Winner of the 138cms championship in Dublin, Harry Allen delivered the winning round in the 138cms division with Lough Gill, clear in 29.95. Jason Foley put in a gallant attempt with Bear Me in Mind, but his time of 29.34 proved only good enough for second. Foley had an unlucky four faults with Mayfly Green Peter, but a fast time of 30.10 proved good enough for sixth place.

Kate Derwin occupied the next two slots, when she delivered a clear with Sligo Lux To Queeney (30.13) for third place and also a clear with Dizzy Rascal (31.15) for fourth. Fifth place was occupied by Robbie Foley, who took the safer options with Drumaclan Flight (33.30).

There seems to be nothing stopping Michael Pender as he rode to victory in the 148cms section when he delivered a clear with Dress To Kill in 35.95 seconds. Nicholas Connors and Mighty Patch were almost five seconds behind in 40.24 for second, while Cormac Foley and Another Destiny put in a strong challenge, lodging a clear in 40.44.

James Kenny and Bertie Brown slotted into fourth place, clear in 41.35, ahead of Emma McEntee and Tirconaill Bluebell in 45.66. Emer Kavanagh’s decision to play it safe with Rock of Dawn paid off as she lodged a clear in 46.25 for sixth place.