WHILE many British-based Irish riders have joined a mass exodus of show jumpers leaving to compete on the various sunshine tours, there has been enough action on the British circuit to keep other riders pretty busy.

Making a productive visit to the recent show at Morris, was Co Down’s Suzanne Posnett.

She travelled with six horses to the Scottish venue and enjoyed plenty of success, particularly with Zinniz Roundthorn (Zinn) who recorded two wins.

“It was our first show of the year and I think the horses were a bit fresh on the first day as there was plenty of bucking and squealing, but it was down to business after that,” said Posnett.

Last Saturday saw Posnett record her first victory, as, after setting a blistering pace with her first ride Karmijn in the 1.20m open, she was the only one to improve on the time to take the top spot with Zinniz Roundthorn.

“There was one major turn inside and I took it with both horses and I think that’s what clinched the top two places.” said Posnett.

It was a case of déjà vu the following day as Posnett again took the top two 1.20m places with Zinn and Carrickview Gin and Tonic.

Pathfinders over the twisty jump-off track, Posnett and the 12-year-old mare again took up every shorter option to put pressure on the following riders and it was her own ride - the Irish Sport Horse Carrickview Gin And Tonic, who from last draw came closest to the leading time.

Posnett recorded a third victory over the weekend when the sprightly Irish Sport Horse Karmijn scampered round to win the 1.15m speed.

“We steered tight lines everywhere and we met everything on a forward stride,” added Posnett.

The ribbon haul was increased when the six-year-old Foesula, twice finished fourth in newcomer classes.

“They were supposed to be educational rounds but she proved quick enough everywhere,” concluded Posnett, who ended the meeting on a high note when Maxim Van Overis Z finished fourth in the 1.30m.

Posnett would be keeping an eye on the weather this week as she was planning to cross the water again to compete at South View in Cheshire.

BACK IN ACTION

Travelling far less miles to compete at Morris was Trevor Nicholson who is based not too far away in Ayrshire.

After giving their established rides a winter break, Nicholson and his partner Aileen Craig were also having their first show back in action with Ayrton UH recording Nicholson’s best result, by finishing fourth in a hard fought eight-strong jump-off in the National 1.40m.

With some fences standing up to 1.50m in the final round it proved a hot finale, with late drawn Nicholson trying his best to win with an acute cut inside to an imposing double.

“The jump-off was quick enough and as the outside route wasted a lot of time I thought it was a risk worth taking to try the turn and Ayrton just clipped the back rail of the second part behind. I have to be pleased though, it was a tough class and it was a good result for his first major competition,” said Nicholson.

Ayrton UH had already fired a warning shot on the first day when producing an immaculate double clear for sixth place in a 1.30m.

Nicholson was also delighted with Crocodile Rock and Cordoba who also slotted easily back into action and the Sligo rider also rode two of his pupils’ horses Alejandro and Figos Twinkeling Z in their first rounds before their normal jockeys took over for the remainder of the show.

Eoin Gallagher has been ticking over nicely, the Ulsterman remaining in good form since competing at Aintree’s Elite show.

Recent outings to Vale View have yielded a few good places, Gallagher was particularly pleased with new ride, Dermott Lennon’s Lux Z 11-year-old Corbeagh Luxor, who finished third in a competitive 1.30m.

Gallagher’s wife Sam also picked up two places at Vale View riding Daisy S (by Quasimodo Van De Molendreef out of a Pandora S dam).

Although he is still kept fully occupied with liveries and trainees at his Southampton base, Ken Ashe escaped briefly to Quob Stables where he took one horse and gained one win riding the seven-year-old stallion Armours Urlanmore Cavalier.

Keith Doyle continues to produce good results from his string, the Hampshire-based rider recently claiming two placings at Addington Manor, where Geddes clinched sixth in the Discovery while Elmo Brown finished eighth in the Foxhunter.

Before travelling to the sunshine tour in Spain, Trevor Breen headed to Bury Farm where he claimed a Foxhunter placing with Feliano B.

Also successful at Bury Farm was David Simpson, who finished just half-a-second off the pace as runner-up in the 1.30m riding Unex Cognac IV.