Emer Bermingham

WITH the Equestrian Store NI and Bluegrass Premier Pony series reaching the midway point at Barndown last Saturday, competition went down to the wire. Adding to the palpable sense of excitement was the Horse Sport Ireland viewing trial over Danish course designer Bo Bak Andersen’s challenging course.

The 128cms under-10 division saw five of the top-placed riders crossing the line inside 34 seconds with nothing to add. Fastest of those was Katie Nallon riding Whitestream Cruise, whose clear round in 32.80 secured her the win. Fractions behind were Coen Williams and Lakefield Stormy (33.39), while Maeve Clarke added to her points when she took third place with Lenamore Mini Metro (33.62). In fourth place, when also keeping everything in place, was Senan Reape and Flying Star, while Coen Williams was back in the ribbons for fifth place with Derryglogher Misty, ahead of Eoin Brennan and Ashsars Miami Bound in sixth.

128cms Grand Prix

Twenty-two riders went to post in the 128cms Grand Prix and six delivered triple clear rounds. Following his win in the inaugural Munster Stadium Showjumping, Tom Wachman was clearly on form as he went to lead this victory lap with PARC Epic (33.86).

A dominant force in the series, Wachman also took third place with Murphy Spartacus (34.15), behind second-placed Katie McEntee and Kilcreene Apollo (33.16).

Niamh McEvoy put in a gallant attempt with Sparkling Majestic Caeser, but their clear round in 34.15 put them into fourth place.

Runner-up at Munster Stadium Showjumping in Limerick, Francis Derwin took fifth place with Essenar Jinja Ninja, while Ryan Sweetnam was sixth with Hollycreek Oran Splendour.

138cmS Grand Prix

Eighteen combinations jumped in the 138cms Grand Prix and just two of those proceeded to the third round. Delivering the only triple clear of the day was John McEntee riding Hubba Bubba, who completed in 43.17.

Max Foley proved that the time could be beaten as he clocked 38.12 with Mayfly Green Peter, but it came at a price as he faulted once to take second place. Foley won’t be too disappointed, however, as a win in the opening round places him at the top end of the leaderboard.

Fastest of the eight-faulters in the second round were Orla Duffy and Trendy Little Captain in 32.55 to take third place, ahead of Caragh Charlton riding Woodfield Superstar in 32.93. Ciaran Nallon and Never Last Spartacus was only other clear in the first round to take fifth place. The fastest of the four-faulters in the first round was Seamus Hughes Kennedy riding Coppenagh Celtic Rebel.

148cms Grand Prix

Three of the 33 riders in the 148cms Grand Prix delivered triple clear rounds at Barnadown and the fastest of those (39.71) to claim the red rosette was Oisin Aylward riding Coppenagh Tom Sparrow.

Aylward was chased home by Harry Allen and Aughnashammer, who also put in a faultless round in 40.27. Jason Foley and More Clover accounted for third place when clear in 41.23. Fourth place went to Ruari Clarke riding Knockroe Little Mike Ruari Clarke, ahead of last week’s winner Adam Carey and Stakkati in fifth and Abbie Sweetnam and Dynamite Spartacus in sixth.

Allianz Starfinder

With the RDS just around the corner, this six/seven year-old class proved very popular at Barnadown, with 28 combinations taking part on the day. It was a good day for Oisin Aylward as he claimed another win when he partnered the seven-year-old Slaney Capitalist Cruise to victory by going clear in 40.56.

In second place was another prolific winner, Ciaran Nallon riding Peter Charles’ Phoenix (7yr), who went clear in 41.23, ahead of Robyn Fagan riding Deryn Mackay’s Stoneman Lacey (6yr).

Ellie Humphries and Mini Skinny were last of the double clears in 48.53 for fourth. Jack McKeon proved that the time could be beaten when he clocked 37.56 with Ardara Lady (6yr), but it came at a price as they knocked a pole to finish in fifth place. Completing the top six line-up was Emma Mcentee riding Dapple Grey Dew-Drop, who also had a pole down in 42.19.