Emer Bermingham
YOUNG riders had a busy week of competition at Mullingar as they battled it out in a series of classes in the Holmestead Superstore-sponsored division.
The action kicked off with the opening Welcome Stakes 1.10m, where the honour went to Clare native John Gallagher when he lodged the winning round of clear in 32.49 with Vida Dance H. Less than a second behind him was John Carr, who crossed the line with Rockwood Pablo in 32.83, while third place with another clear round (33.19) was Kevin McCabe riding Carramore Oasis.
Winner of the overall 148cms Pony Premier, Adam Carey returned to the podium again, when he won the 1.20m Challenge Stakes. Riding CTS Peanuts, Carey lodged the winning round of clear in 37.07.
It was a good day too for Australian rider Jake Hunter as he took the runners-up place with Lb Volcanicity (clear in 37.52) and third place with Murchus Grey Mist (clear in 38.01).
In the 1.30m Classic, Ronan Costello and Annestown Clover Concorde secured the red rosette when they lodged the winning time of 72.72. Jake Hunter took second this time with Cruising Kilkee, clear in 73.17, ahead of Jack Ryan and Cavalier Teaca, who was fractions behind in 73.24.
Kilkenny rider Ryan went on to take the honours in the €1,000 Holmestead Saddlery Superstore 1.30m two-phase competition when he crossed the line clear in 36.80 with Cavalier Teaca and his record of results over the championships saw him take the Young Rider National Champion title for 2016.
The champion won the 1.20 Table A with Sandballin when he crossed the line in 58.85, almost seven seconds faster than his closest rivals Jake Hunter and Murchus Grey Mist in 65.84.
On Sunday Jessica Lee and Harry Beau Bay were top of the line-up in the Holmestead 1.15m Sportsman Final courtesy of a clear round in 30.92. It was a good day for Lee as she also took the win in the 1.10 championships with Prince Allie (clear in 30.95).
The journey south was worthwhile for Tyrone native Jennifer Torrens as she led the victory lap in the 1m young rider final. Riding Urban Cowboy, she lodged the winning time of 21.26.
Shane Dalton showed off his good form when he took the win in the 1.20m championship, finishing over two seconds faster than his closest rival, Castlelawn Kannan in 29.95. Jake Hunter and Lb Volcanicity took second, clear in 32.44, ahead of Jack Ryan and Sandballin, clear in 32.45.
The final event, the €3,500 Holmestead 1.30m National Championship Young Rider Final, went down to the wire with 18 combinations booking their place in the jump-off.
Eight of those delivered double clears and the 1.20m winner, Shane Dalton, returned to the podium to take the first prize with Belfields Captain when he crossed the line clear in 39.00 seconds. Jack Ryan took second place with Cavalier Teaca when they jumped clear in 39.21.
Dalton, not content just to win, also took the next two placings when he partnered Captain’s Magic Touch to a clear in 39.30 for third and Chimay (40.08) for fourth.
In fifth place were Jessica Burke and CC Captain Cruise, who jumped clear in 42.85. Nicholas Connors and Lantino 31 completed the top six line-up when crossing the line in 43.55 after a clear round.
In the children on horses division, it was Jennifer Torrens and Urban Cowboy who emerged as the winners of the Bluegrass 1.15m Championship when they scorched home in 33.06 seconds.
Mackenzie Healy filled the next two placings with Mr Easy Street (34.18) and Recolpa Rose (34.72).