Rush siblings win Mullingar pony championships

MAYO’s Stephen Gibbons landed a comprehensive victory in Sunday’s 148cm 1.20m Championship. Gibbons was the fastest of just three double clears in the final aboard Jane Gibbons’ Dexter Leam Pondi-sired mare Dexter Leam Prancer. They broke the beam in 32.92 seconds to take victory ahead of Sadhbh Cuffe and Dunard Cavalexa, who was over five seconds slower, in 38.04.

Cavan Equestrian’s Camryn Clarke and Rock of Dawn produced the final the double clear in 38.49 for third place. James Derwin proved that the time could be beaten when clocking 31.74, but he paid the price as a pole fell to the floor and he had to settle for fourth place.

Also carrying four faults was the combination of Aoife Whelan and Ti Chip Again in 37.88 for fifth place, while Sadhbh Slattery and Ballinamurra Josh had one on the ground in 39.55 for sixth.

138cm Championships

Kilkenny’s Conor Brennan led the victory lap in the 138cm Championship when he partnered MHS Alaska to a clear in 28.94 seconds in the seven-way jump-off. Barry Carr slotted into the runner-up spot when he left all the poles in place in 32.02 with Cider Girl.

Last of the double clears in 33.11 and taking third were Jack Galway and Clonagh Boy. Brid Ryan and Nancy Pantsy finished as fastest of the four-faulters in 30.99 for fourth place. The next two places were occupied by James Derwin. Derwin delivered his better result of four faults in 32.66 with Shenandoah Sadie and also had four faults with Ruby Brown in 34.51.

128cm Championships

Sligo rider Harry Rush took the 128cm championship when he partnered Tower View Lady to the fastest clear round in a lightening quick time of 19.98 seconds. David Brennan added to his haul when runner-up with MHS Rebel Pride in 24.24. Third place belonged to Andrea Barry and Socs Bay, just fractions behind in 24.33. Daisy O’Dea opted for the safer approach with WCE Little Star and a clear in 29.59 saw her take fourth place. Francesca William Webster and Bubblegum Bouncer were last of the double clears in 31.85 for fifth, while fastest of the four-faulters in 24.96 was Ryan O’Neill and Diamond’s Sunshine.

Winner of the 128 U10 85 Championship was Harry’s sister, Ella Rush, riding Dutch Lady. She produced the winning round in a time of 25.72, and was chased home by Tim Hawkins and Whistletown Blue Belle in 27.57.

It was a good day for the Hawkins family as Alayna and Ballynacregga Red took third in 28.96. Max Galway’s clear in 29.52 with Aril saw him take fourth, ahead of Chloe Clarke and Pepsi Mac in 30.21. A foot-perfect round from Caoimhe Murphy and Sparkling Lackaghmore Katie in 32.30 proved good enough for sixth.