THE strength of interschools show jumping was very evident in Barnadown last Saturday with almost 50 teams competing in the three inter-schools team competitions on the day.

Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew, was delighted to host the sixth round of the TRI Equestrian Interschools League. In the open team competition, John Doyle’s track reduced the starting 24 teams to a seven-team jump-off which proved to be a seriously competitive affair.

First to go against the clock was Natasha Bernon of St Gerard’s College in Bray, on Miss Poppins. She was joined by Blathnid Boyd on Bandit of Coilte Dubh and together they stopped the clock on 77.88 seconds and four faults.

Catrion Doyle representing Coláiste Bhríde Purple team and riding Garryfine Cross was joined by fellow first year Conor Wafer and they ended on a total of 79.43 with just a pole on the ground. The second Coláiste Bhríde team in the jump-off saw Patrick Kavanagh (Woodfield Rain) and joined by his cousin, Emer Kavanagh on Dolly Mix, set a target of 74.4 with two clear rounds.

Newbridge College gold team was fourth to go and Rachel Ross, riding Arganium Boy, and joined by the second line rider, Alanna Kelly on Killington Lady, produced the fastest team time of 73.97and one pole on the ground.

The team from Ard Scoil na Trinoide, Athy, produced a joint jump-off time of 86.84 however, eight faults put them down the line. Wesley College was sixth to attack the jump-off track but unfortunately their total score left them in overall seventh place.

Gorey Community School, drawn last to go in the jump-off, was determined to give it their all. Sarah Dunne riding Wild Fire and Rebecca Steacy on Castlemore Cailin produced an exciting final team effort.

However, they stopped the clock five seconds behind the Coláiste Bhríde team of Patrick Kavanagh, Aidan Kavanagh, Emer Kavanagh and Aoife Kavanagh.

This was a tightly knit jump-off with first place going to Coláiste Bhríde (74.41), second to Gorey Community School (79.60) and third to Newbridge College (73.97, four faults).

COMPETITIVE ACTION

The novice team event was well contested with 10 teams in competition. The jump-off course allowed riders to give it a real go and the team of Megan Flood, Hannah Murphy, Caoimhe Sheehan and Aoife Murphy, representing Borris Vocational School, took the honours. Second place went to Avondale Community College (Caoimhe Daly O’Brien, Leah Quinn, Aoibhin Daly O’Brien and Ailish Cullen) while third place went to Wesley College (Anna Maher, Alanna Doherty, Aoife Sutton and Helen Hanley).

This year’s primary school competition began after the novice team competition, again with 10 teams competing.

First place went to the Gorey Central School green team (Lauren Adams, Grace Scully, Maisie Adams and Abbey Spenser). Second place went to Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc Ceatharlach (Cara Ní Cheallaigh, Ava Ní Murchu, Rachel Ní Chearra and Ellen Kelly) while third in this team competition was Rathangan N.S. gold team (Edie Codd, Isabelle Barry, Emily Roche and Michael Cullen).

The Barnadown derby competitions always create interest and this year’s course did not disappoint. Prizes were very attractive and the novice competition saw 25 riders take on the course.

Maisie Adams on Seldom Seen Kidd and Dimples Dilema made it a double one/two for Gorey Central Primary School while Catrion Doyle on Ballinlow Lad took third place for the host school, Coláiste Bhríde.

A similar number competed in the open derby and Roisin Treacy, St Gerard’s College, and Manx D took first place. Second place went to Ciara Frayney of Presentation College Wexford, riding Kilminchy Rodrigo, and the third place rosette was presented to Tara Kinsella, Coláiste Bhríde, riding Bumble Bee.

The HSI 1.10m class was held in the main arena and this competition produced some excellent jumping.

James Kavanagh of Borris Vocational School won this leg of the TRI league riding Coppenagh Blitz. Second place went to Emer Kavanagh from Coláiste Bhríde on Dolly Mix and she was followed in third place by fellow team mate, Patrick Kavanagh on Woodfield Rain.

The next round of the TRI Equestrian schools competition takes place in Ballinamona EC, Co Waterford, today (Saturday).