PONY riders were out in force last weekend as they put in one final attempt to book a coveted place to the RDS National Championships at the qualifier in the Meadows Equestrian Centre.
In the 128cm division, 44 combinations went to post and just two rounds were required to decide the tickets. Out of the original starters, five double clears were delivered. Taking the win was Elizabeth McCracken and Uquam d’Emery PFS, when crossing the line in the very fast time of 34.91. Over three seconds slower, Juliette McIntosh and Hollycreek Oran Splendour took the runner-up spot, clear in 38.19, ahead of Padraig O’Looney and the eight-year-old DHS Summer, clear in 39.41.
Slotting into fourth place was Billy Filan and Deelside Silver (40.08). Padraig O’Looney was back in the ribbons as he was last of the double clears with Sparkling Ganty Blazer (49.02). Sarah McLaughlin proved that she could beat the time when clocking 31.45 aboard Linde Hoeve’s Ricardo, but a pole on the ground pushed the duo into sixth place.
Win for Brennan
Victory in the 138cm division went to Leinster as Conor Brennan and MHS Alaska delivered the only double clear in 40.78. Wexford’s Lauren Adams lodged a very fast round with Riot Del Pegulil, (37.23) but it came at a price of four faults for second. India Heffron had one on the ground with Double Trouble Boy (40.16) for third.
The McCrackens had much to celebrate as Charlotte and Tynan Rocket slotted into fourth place, clear in 45.69 and also took sixth with Drumcaughey Diamond. Lauren Adams was back in the ribbons, taking fifth with Dunlewey Redshank (8/36.31).
Hughes Bravo triumphs
Leading the victory lap in the 148cm division was Kilkenny’s Marta Hughes Bravo, fastest of the four double clears in 40.45, aboard HHS Mustang Sally. Katie Doyle and Dibidoe took a more cautious approach and delivered a clear (46.71) for second. Aoife Whelan and TI Chip erred on the side of caution with a clear in 50.63 to secure third.
Ellen Power and Carrigeen Moores were the last of the double clears in 54.25 for eventual fourth. The fastest round was delivered by Katie McEntee and My Gypsy Rose (39.09) but four faults on the board meant they had to settle for fifth place. Alexandra Hourigan and Kinean also had one on the ground (40.15) to take sixth place.
Doherty does it
Victory in the 148cms six/seven-year-old class remained in Ulster as Oliver Doherty partnered Derek Reid’s seven-year-old Springhill Premier to a clear in 39.89. Little stood between the next placing as Robert Russell and TJ Butterfly (7yo) posted a clear (39.93) for second.
The highest placed six-year-old and taking third was John Kirrane and Tyson’s Little Clover (41.17).
Natasha Foley and Knockroe Little Clover also maintained a clean sheet in 42.12 for eventual fourth, ahead of Evie Welton and Cavanagh Rocky (6yo) in 45.73. Completing the top six line-up was John Kirrrane and Roma (6yo), clear in 50.07.