FIRST up at the Irish Breeders’ Classic in Barnadown last Sunday to contest their finals was the four-year-olds in the Castlefield Sport Horses-sponsored class.

Although these young horses have not had much show experience, their talent over the course of the show was clear to see. Judges Eddie Moloney and Carol Gee found their champion in Newmarket Patriot, ridden and owned by Sophie Richards. This gelding is from a well-established breeding line. Bred by Billy Daly from Cork, he is by Newmarket Venture out of the Clover Hill-sired Kilderry Clover.

The gelding is a full-brother to Annie Clover, who was bred by James Bradley and had a successful eventing career with Nicola Wilson, competing up to CC14* (now CCI5*). Another full-brother is the eight-year-old Mattie Clover, who is also competing on the English circuit with Wilson.

Kilkenny’s Vincent Byrne took the runner-up place with Quality-Time Van Het Heieinde. Owned by Killavallig Farm Ltd Sweetnam, he is a Belgian Warmblood stallion by Elvis Ter Putte out of Fientje Van De Elshoeve.

It was a good show for Tholm Keane as he featured in the line-up in third place, with Seamus Drea’s DSH Lucky Junior.

Bred by Drea, the gelding is by BBS McGregor out of the Luidam-sired Dshlyi. This gelding is a half-brother to Longfield Quinlui (by Quintender), currently campaigned by Derek McConnell up to Grand Prix level.

Ethen Ahearne and Go Lightly took fourth place. Bred by Lisa Cawley, and owned by GBBS Int, the mare is by For Pleasure out of the well-related Winter Cruise (Cruising).

Jack Brennan finished in fifth place with Sinead Brennan’s MHS Everything. Bred by the late Ita Brennan, the mare is by Quidam Junior I out of Gowran Lady. She is a full-sister to the Olympic horse MHS Going Global (Greg Broderick) and 1.50m winner MHS High Hopes (Ger O’Neill).

In sixth place was young rider, Orla Queally, who was riding John Queally’s Monkeal Alfie.