Emer Bermingham
IT was another busy week for pony riders as they travelled to Galway EC to contest the opening round of the Equestrian Store NI/Bluegrass Pony Premier Series.
In the 128 under 10s Pony Premier division, a total of 31 ponies battled it out over the Paul Duffy-designed course and with riders clearly on form, 12 combinations delivered triple clears. Taking the honours was Westmeath rider Aine Shorthall. Riding Ann Derwin’s experienced Toorboy Tommy, she galloped home in 29.97 seconds. Second place belonged to Maeve Clarke who delivered a clear with Lenamore Mini Metro in 31.31.
Fractions behind was Senan Reape and Flying Star, clear in 31.86. Little separated the next two placings as Lauren Murphy crossed the line with Troglan in 32.03. Camryn Clarke’s clear with Pepsi Mac in 32.14 saw him take fifth place while a clear with PARC Creme Brulee in 33.18 also saw him take sixth place.
Winner of the 128cms qualifier at Barnadown last month, Francis Derwin maintained his good form as he again led the victory lap in the 128cms division. Riding Essenar Jinja Ninja, he was almost three seconds faster than his closest rival when crossing the line in 31.99 seconds. Niamh McEvoy delivered the only other double clear with Sparkling Majestic Caeser in 34.92 for second place.
Fastest of the four-faulters in 32.97 was Max Foley and Remington Steel for third, ahead of Ryan Sweetman and the Silver Legend in 33.76. Derwin occupied another place in the line-up when he crossed the line with four faults in 35.99 with Buachaill Baire for fifth place, ahead of Aaron John Killoran and Barrera Star Attraction in 38.10.
No stranger to the winner’s enclosure, Max Foley demonstrated his talent when he delivered the winning round in the 138cms section with Mafly Green Peter, clear in 40.45. Amy Reape took the runner-up spot when she partnered Youghal Paddy to a clear in 42.79.
Katie Power proved that the time could be beaten when she clocked 34.45, but it came at a price as she faulted once with Bear Me In Mind for third. Robyn Moran also had an unlucky four faults with Western Oreo, albeit in a slower time of 38.73 for eventual fourth. Ciaran Nallon took fifth place when he crossed the line carrying eight faults with Never Last Spartacus in 41.04, ahead of Caragh Charlton and Woodfield Superstar who finished up on 12 faults in a time of 57.63.
In the 148cms section, a total of 28 combinations went to post and out of these just three delivered double clears. This class was part of the HSI viewing trial for selection. Leading the victory lap on this occasion was Adam Carey and Stakat who crossed the line in 32.35.
It was a good outing for Nallon as he delivered a clear with Sligo Little James in 34.55 for second place and another clear with Dibidoe in 34.85 for third.
Sean Monaghan was the fastest of the four-faulters with Orchids Vienna in 35.05 for fourth, ahead of Kate Derwin and Vales Blue Melody in 35.83.
Abbie Sweetman proved out of luck when she faulted on two occasions but a fast time of 34.58 secured her sixth place.
Allianz Starfinder
Sligo rider Jack McKeon proved unbeatable in the 148cms six/seven-year-old Allianz Starfinder when he crossed the line clear in 32.54 with the seven-year-old Maumeen Miley. Last year following a great season, Maumeen Miley took the top six-year-old title at the RDS championship title. Abbie Sweetnam’s clear with Perseus Spartacus in 33.81 secured her second place, ahead of Jack Ryan and Revel Diamond in 35.15.
Fourth place belonged to Katie Conlon as she delivered a clear with Foyleview Jasmin in 37.53. Emma McEntee’s cautious approach with Saxton Freedam paid dividends as she crossed the line with nothing to add in 38.07 for fifth place. Robyn Fagan delivered the final double clear with Stoneman Lacey in 38.97 for sixth.