THERE was competitive action among the Young Riders and Children on Horses division with combinations battling it out for a place at next month’s RDS National Equestrian Championships.

In the highest division of the young riders section, some 16 combinations went to post in the 1.35/1.40m and of those, four delivered double clears. Fastest of those and claiming the first ticket was Aisling McGuinness and Kilderrys Joint Venture, crossing the line in 40.42.

Less than a second behind was Leah Stack and the Kellie Allen-owned Perigrosso (41.38) for second. Ciaran Foley and Kingsborough Verdiva took third when stopping the clock in 41.46, ahead of John McEntee and Hip Girl (41.71). Erin Crawford and Carrickadawson Womanizer clocked the fastest time of the day (36.85) but four faults meant that they had to settle for sixth place.

Win for Ward

Winner of the 1.25/1.30m was Dylan Ward who delivered a triple clear with the eight-year-old Diamant De La Mer (37.56). Killian Ryan opted for longer lines with Marlow ELJ and he came home clear in 40.87 for second. Aimee Barry and the eight-year-old Garryndruig Limoncello also kept everything in place, in the slower time of 42.43 for third.

Accounting for fourth place was Jane Cassidy and Consul Lux (42.69). A clear from Rebecca Stack and La Force De Tamerville (42.89) ensured them fifth place, ahead of Gabrielle Enright and Bently X (44.89).

Hotly contested

The 1.10/1.15m division was best supported with 44 combinations going to post and of those, seven delivered triple clears. Leading the victory lap once again was Dylan Ward who was riding the six-year-old Kruser DHH, stopping the clock in 39.35. Simone Leathem and Coolys Trendy followed closly behind (40.06) taking second. Jodie Creighton didn’t have to travel far to book her place when she partnered Drumrankin Serpent to a clear (40.91).

Accounting for fourth place was Oliver Penfold and Krya KWPN, clear in 41.30, ahead of Jaye Devine and Ramiro Be Classe (42.45). Completing the top six line-up was Matthew Conlon and Creevagh Imp 11 (43.59).

Fitzgerald clinches victory

Just 15 combinations battle it out in the children on horses division and taking the win when double clear in 33.14 was Mary Fitzgerald and La Grande Z.

Abbie Oakey also kept the poles in place with Cinnickroodnoot, in 36.12 for second. Slotting into third was Ben Cassidy and Cocktail De Riverland, clear in 42.77, ahead of Eoghan McGrath and Quantum Quest in 43.66.

A clear from Brid Ryan and Killea Treacle in 44.55 saw her take fifth place, ahead of Peter Morton and Delton, who was fastest of the four-faulters in 40.93.