THE fifth leg of the Linda Moore Spring show jumping league took place last Sunday, April 15th, hosted by Winterdown Riding Club at Kildare International Equestrian Centre in Rathmore, Co Kildare.

Over 50 horse and rider combinations took part on the day in six different classes.

Due to inclement weather the course of 13 jumping obstacles which was built by Julieann Gaffney in the venue’s spacious indoor arena.

The graded classes commenced with the primary show jumping grade, which was won by Martin Laffan from Ballyteague RC.

Riding Purdy, he recorded the only clear round of the four competitors taking part. Second place went to Deirdre Lynch from Rathfarnham RC who had four faults with Milo of Rath.

Some 13 horse and rider combinations started in the advanced primary class which was judged on optimum time.

The winners, clear and closest to the optimum time were Mark Howe and grey gelding Millridge Kalmar from Killcarrick RC.

Howe was delighted with his win in his first season at advanced primary. Second place went to Tania Whittle and Laverty Belle from Maynooth RC.

The sportsmans class was also judged on optimum time over the advanced primary track and was open to riders graded intermediate and above.

Gerry Leahy and Brando from Celbridge won this class with the only clear round. Angeline Carey and Rosie from Castledermot had 12 faults and took second place.

In the intermediate class, 24 horse and rider combinations started the course and eleven of these returned with a clear round. These 11 riders progressed to jump off against the clock over a shortened track.

Sara Woods and Wacky Jack from Killcarrick RC racked up their fourth league win so far in this class riding a clear jump off round in 32.5 seconds.

Woods and the bay gelding have had a fantastic season earning four first places and a fifth place so far in the Linda Moore league. Second place went to Claire Hutchinson and Indian Lights from Killcarrick RC who were clear in 34.2

Six of the 17 starters in the advanced intermediate class were clear and progressed to the jump-off. There were four clear rounds and the victory went to Victoria Neiser and Master Darcy from Abbeylands who recorded the fastest jump-off clear round of 30.75 seconds. Nicola Corcoran and Winterdown Rebecca from Winterdown RC placed second, clear in 32.07.

The open class had five entries and led to a two-way jump-off to decide a winner. Megan Smith from Greenhills RC took on Liam Gaffney from Winterdown RC in what was a great challenge to watch. Both riders were clear and fast in the jump off.

Megan Smith won the class with Orman, going clear in 31.2 seconds, just ahead of Liam Gaffney and Knockalane Sylvano , clear in 32.85.

The next leg of the Linda Moore League will be held at Coilog by Abbeylands RC on Monday, May 4th.