FOLLOWING some very tough qualifying rounds, the national classes at Mullingar were decided last Monday.
Winner of the first RDS amateur qualifier in Warrington, Paul Carroll added to his record when he took the win in the Longford Filling Station 1.10 Derravara Championship. Riding Castleroche La Roche, he was the fastest of 11 double clears in 26.96.
Thomas O’Brien accounted for the next two placings and delivered his best result with Earl Grays Last Cruise, clear in 28.16. He was fractions behind with Carramore Charlie in 28.20.
Daniel Fitzgerald was hot on the leader’s heels with Caricell Supercharge, in 28.62 for eventual fourth. Kirsti Connole and Zaza Van Terhofstede also remained within the 30-second mark in 28.88 for fifth. Sixth place belonged to Ciaran Byrne and Golden Puissance, in 30.43.
Victory in the Horse First 1.10m Lake County Ladies Championships, belonged to Wicklow rider Claire Fisher. Riding the 12-year-old B Valeree, she crossed the line with nothing to add in 31.87.
It was a good day for Emma McEntee who claimed the next two placings. Riding Sillan Coevers, a clear in 33.35 saw her take second. She was fractions behind with Clintendro in 33.51 for third.
A clear from Tara Brandon and Miss Jolly in 33.57 saw her slot into fourth ahead of Anke Hirschelmann and Lancelots Cruisade in 33.94. Tara Brandon returned to claim sixth with Crosswell Blue, clear in 37.17.
USA ALL THE WAY
In the Castleforbes 1.20m Midland Classic Championship, victory went to American rider Rosalie Biedron. Riding the super consistent LVS Wizard, she negotiated a series of tight lines and crossed the line, clear in 29.46.
As well as featuring in the international classes, Mikey Pender took his place in the national line-up. Riding Javas Gucci, a clear in 29.53 proved good enough for second. Both Robyn Moran (Coolminga Inspector Royal) and Thomas O’Brien (Dakarla) delivered clears in 29.88 to share third. A clear from Darren Hopkins and Numero Cruise in 30.20, ensured him fifth, ahead of Daniel Fitzgerald and Emoe Jell O, in 30.54.
LOCAL SUCCESS
Local rider, Aileen McDermott proved to be the popular winner of the Charlestown Racing Lilliput metre championship.
Riding Amber Deluxe, she was one of seven clears in 26.84 seconds. Hannah Connors Smyth and Jersey Belle, erred on the side of caution and a clear in 28.18, saw her take the runner-up spot.
Claiming third place were Lewis Trenier and Lanzamore, in 28.21, ahead of Shona Lynch and Ferdi Whitmore, in 30.46.
Rachel Coyle and Athlet Van’t luzerhof, slotted into fifth, when clocking 31.56, while sixth place belonged to Hannah Smyth and Lucy Bee, in 33.33.
In the Tredstep & MEC Amateur Championship, victory belonged to A rider Jacqui Boland with Maverick Na Rí. The pair were the fastest of six double clears in 29.48 seconds.
Fellow A rider, Michael O’Neill and Castlefield Capri, put in a gallant attempt but their time of 30.05 saw them slot into second. Best of the AA riders was Johnnie Fitzpatrick who partnered Saunders Beach Ball Cruise, in 31.51, for third.
In fourth place was rider Martin Flesk and Killuppaun Magic, in 32.55, ahead of Olivia Byrne and Georgia Bee. Last of the double clears and slotting into sixth, were Vivienne Murtagh and Ark Houdini, in 39.51.