Emer Bermingham

ALONGSIDE the international action, Mullingar CSI** also held a full schedule of national classes which came to an exciting conclusion last Monday as riders battled it out in the finals.

First into the main arena were the 128cms pony riders to contest the The Holly Grove Stud-sponsored final. This class proved very competitive with 16 riders vying for their share of the €750 prize fund. Last to go in the jump-off, Rhys Williams knew what was required to take the win.

A series of tight turns with Corwebsters Black Jack saw him clock the winning time of 32.49. Williams also took fifth place when he lodged a clear with Parc Giggles when clear in 35.37.

Tom Wachman also picked up two placings when he partnered Sparkel to a clear in 33.07 for second place and sixth with Mighty Spartacus, clear in 35.38. Spring Tour Champions Francis Derwin and Essenar Jinja Ninja took third place when clear in 34.40, ahead of Coen Williams and Harri Potter, clear in 35.25.

Prolific winners in the pony arena, Leah Stack and Amber Leaf demonstrated their skill as they led the victory lap in the 138cms Coolmore Grand Prix Championship, almost four seconds faster than their closest rival when clear in 26.60.

Equally on form having had a great run in the RDS qualifiers, Robyn Moran and Western Oreo delivered a clear in 30.40 for second, ahead of Darragh Sharkey and Nye the Apache, clear in 35.58. Local rider Chloe Fagan’s cautious approach with Simply the Best Tyson paid off as a clear in 36.61 saw them take fourth place. Fifth place belonged to Caragh Charlton and Woodfield Superstar, clear in 37.12, ahead of Ciaran Nallon and Heyboo, clear in 38.31.

Kevin McCabe and Carramore Oasis proved unstoppable in the Lilliput one-metre final as they scorched home almost three seconds faster than their closest rivals in 59.89 to take the winner’s share in the Alias Tom and Khan Boutique-sponsored class. Galway’s Sven Hadley chose his lines carefully with Clover Falcon and delivered a clear in 63.68 for second. In third place was Laura Carrick and My Foxy Lass, clear in 65.55, ahead of Brian Keegan and Armani Clover in 66.75. Claiming fifth place, when clear in 68.36, was Feaha Moore and Bubbly Bear, while Tom Whyte’s clear with Aradgh Airborne in 70.45 saw him take sixth.

Derravarra Championship

In the sand arena, riders contested the €3,000 1.15 Derravarra Championship. From the 31 qualified combinations, just four delivered clears. Leading another victory lap was Kevin McCabe and Carramore Oasis when clear in 38.65. Healy MacKenzie’s careful riding with Recolpa Rose ensured them a clear, albeit in the slower time of 42.49 for second while Ger O’Neill partnered Columbcille Gipsy to a clear in 58.65 for third. Last of the clears was Lisa Doyle and Corland’s Clipper in 57.99. Jordan Coyle didn’t hang around with Lakeview Magic, but it came at a price as he faulted once in 40.60 for fifth, ahead of Angela Percy who clocked up four faults with Mirdads Nayyarat Alrahmaan in 44.14.

Midland Classic

Winner of the 1.30m Grange Motors International class on Saturday, Jordan Coyle earned another rosette when he took the honours in the Midland Classic Championship with Eglish, clear in 40.67. Sponsored by Castleforbes Stud, a total of 44 combinations battled it out for the €3,000 prize fund.

Almost four seconds behind the winner was Shane Goggins and Greenfort Newmarket K, clear in 44.35. Ger O’Neill opted on the side of caution with Amity and kept everything intact in 51.03 for third, while Kenneth Graham, riding Lenamore Lucy Lou slotted into fourth, clear in 52 seconds. Meath rider Gerard Clarke put in a faultless round in 52.36 with Jb Master Glen Bar for fifth place, ahead of Angela Percy and Erico, fractions behind in 52.48 for sixth place.

Lake County Ladies 1.10 final

In the Journey Through Ireland-sponsored Lake County Ladies 1.10 final, the 30 that took it on faced a technical course, which included a water tray at four, followed by a double. Taking the honours when clear in 37.21 was Niamh Quinn riding Ocala Justice. The combination had put in a good performance when claiming the runner-up place in the qualifier. Aisling McGuinness was hot on her heels with Kilcolgan Clover Skye and a clear in 38.76 saw her take second. Jessica Burke left everything standing with Neon Acclaim in 40.15 for third, ahead of Amanda Fahy Lackyle Tornado, clear in 42.32. Sophie Dunn opted to air on the side of caution as she partnered Irish Fern to a clear in 44.02 while Natasha Carolan and Boleybawn Roulette took sixth when clear in 49.07.

Amateur Grand Prix Final

Amateur riders were also in action as they contested their final Grand Prix. With the winner receiving one night’s accommodation in Dublin for two people. plus Horse Show tickets, this class was hard fought. Taking the honours after lodging a very fast clear in 35.62 was Adrian Gilmartin riding Pico Bellos Stal Ham. This was a perfect warm-up for the combination as they have qualified for Dublin at Tubberbride. Almost two seconds behind was Catherine Egan and Dotty Blue, clear in 37.21. Grainne Murphy and Sisi were the only other combination to stay inside the 38-second barrier in 37.67 for third. Hayley Devlin and Inniskeel High Society delivered the last clear of the class in 38.93 for fourth. Denise Hanrahan had four faults with Comeragh Cruiser in 36.74, enough for fifth ahead of Laura Richardson and Rex-B who crossed the line carrying four faults in 43.44.