WINNER of the pony premier in Ennis on Saturday, Kian Dore made a well worth trip to Mullingar to land victory in The Holly Grove Stud 128 Championship with Drumcaghey Jacko when posting the fastest of the clears in 32.32. A day earlier, Dore and Kilcreene Basil had taken third place in the qualifier.
Almost two seconds behind were Lauren Murphy and Taggarts Express in 34.08 for second, ahead of Alexandra Hourigan and Kiltormer Ruby in 34.54. Marta Hughes Bravo accounted for the next two placings, taking fourth with My Little Shadow (36.20) and fifth aboard Little Miss Big Time (37.45). Ryan Ruane and Mickey Bo allotted into sixth with a time of 37.61.
Alex Finney was certainly on form over the course of the show as he took the win and the runner-up placing in Sunday’s 138cm 1.10m qualifier and didn’t disappoint when backing up that form to secure the top honours in the 138cm 1.10m Allied Recycling Grand Prix Final.
Riding Coltstown Dun Cruiser, he delivered a clear in 35.62 to take the win. The smallest of margins stood between first and second place as Leah Stack and Amber Leaf crossed the line in 35.63. Not content with the win, Finney returned to take third place with Dolly du Carel (38.49).
In fourth place was Ashley Dunne and Astral Ruben, clear in 43.36, ahead of John Martin Kirrane and Nightlady (46.49). Alex Finney delivered the fastest round of the class aboard Keogans Boy in 35.33, but with a pole on the ground he slotted into sixth place.
Two young riders showing great form both at home and abroad is Jack Ryan and Ciaran Nallon. Following an impressive performance, the riders were forced to share the podium in the 148cm Coolmore Championship Final when they clocked the exact same winning time of 35.66. Ryan was riding Sixmilewater Blaze and Nallon was aboard Lislan Picola.
HOME SUPPORT
Winner of the 148cm 1.10m Mullingar Credit Union Table A the day before, Orla Duffy and Tirconaill Bluebell slotted into to third place when she delivered a clear in 36.56. There was plenty of home support for Robyn Fagan when she galloped home aboard Stoneman Lacey with nothing to add, in 44.96, for eventual fourth.
Jack McKeon and Maumeen Miley were fastest of the four faulters in 37.31 for fifth, ahead of James Connors Smyth who also faulted once but in a slower time of 41.38.
Always a firm favourite with spectators, competitors in the 128 80cm Ballynegall Feeds Under 10 Future Stars Championship were well supported as they took to the arena to contest the final class. Taking the honours was Emily Moloney, daughter of show jumper Eddie, riding Expresso when they broke the beam in a blistering pace of 33.99 seconds.
Winner of the qualifier on Friday, Alanna Fagan was cheered on by the home crowd and crossed the line in 35.50 for second place. Isobel Hourigan slotted into third place when she partnered Jingle Belle Rock to a clear in 36.86, ahead of Kiera McGrath and Tabita Carwyn (38.89).
Barry Carr opted for the safe approach with Trendy Taz and it paid off as he crossed the line with nothing to add in 40.59 for fifth. Harry Rush and Electro were fastest of the four faulters in the first round to slot into sixth.