Emer Bermingham
THE CWD Pony Spring Tour came to an exciting conclusion last Sunday at The Meadows EC, where dozens of riders battled it out for the four prestigious titles on offer.
In the 128cms division, Max Foley and Remington Steal who won the final round when they crossed the line almost three seconds faster than their closest rival in 27.80 seconds. Despite not featuring in the top six placings on the final day, two wins and series of good results were enough to see the 128cms RDS champion Francis Derwin take the overall league title on a total of 27 points.
Taking the runner-up spot on the day were Ryan Sweetnam and the Silver Legend, clear in 30.34, while Isobel Hughes Kennedy and Headmore Little Lightning delivered a clear in 32.41 for third place.
Martha Hughes Bravo and Cocky Rocky also kept all the poles in place, albeit in a slower time of 34.33 for eventual fourth. Fractions behind when crossing the line in 34.70 were Aoife Drea and Prince of Ashwood, ahead of Tom Wachman and Heartbreaker in 36.23.
Taking the final leg of the 138cms section was Leah Stack with Amber Leaf, who went clear in 30.32. The runner-up spot was filled by Max Foley aboard Mayfly Green Peter when clear in 31.01.
Little stood between second and third as as Aidan Kavanagh and Ballinamurra Lighting crossed the line a fraction of a second slower in 31.02.
A fourth place finish for Max Foley aboard Sandy when clear in 32.13 saw him claim the overall league title.
Caragh Charlton’s clear with Woodfield Superstar in 33.47 saw her take fifth place, ahead of Yiayan Evans and Lynncot Montana, clear in 33.92.
IMPRESSIVE AGAIN
No stranger to the winner’s podium, Ciaran Nallon impressed again as he piloted Sligo Little James to the win in the 148cms division, going clear in 33.74 seconds.
Taking the runner-up spot was Abby Morton and Tynan Bo-Bo Bear who went clear in 34.28. Morton was chased home by Charlotte Houston and Blessington Grange Mist who were 0.04 of a second slower (34.32) for third place.
A fourth place finish for Eve Donnelly and Dr Spot (clear in 35.56) was enough for the pair to win the league title.
Kate Derwin opted for the more cautious approach with Springhill Rebellious and it paid off as she lodged a clear in 36.82 for fifth place. Winner of the round in Cavan, Robbie Clancy delivered another good result when he partnered I’m A Tom Boy into sixth.
In the children on horses section Jennifer Torrens and Conconcorde led the victory lap when they delivered a clear round in 28.72.
Molly Hughes Bravo took the runner-up spot when clear in 33.09 with Quarrycrest Clover, ahead of Theo Van Cauwenberge aboard Fiona Kelly’s Quantum Quest (33.76). Charlotte Harding’s decision to play it safe with Laura Reid’s Nonavic Temara paid off as she delivered the last double clear of the class in 35.72 to take fourth place.
A determined Kathryn Morton had a win in mind as she took on the course with Tynan Dominic but four faults in a time of 30.99 saw them finish in fifth place ahead of Mya McDowell and IMPS Girl, who crossed the line carrying eight faults in 35.29.
Although the girls dominated the final round, a consistent performance by Oscar Bourke Mullaney saw him take the overall children on horses league title.
Riders who are hoping to make the Irish squads were out to impress at Horse Sport Ireland trial.
Following some tough competition, Sean Monaghan riding Anne Mills’ Adja delivered the only double clear in 36.33 to claim victory.
Abbie Sweetnam and Dynamite Spartacus clocked the fastest time in 32.18 but it proved expensive as they faulted and had to be content with second place. Kilkenny rider Jack Ryan and Sixmilewater Blazer had an unlucky four faults in 36.49 for third, ahead of Cian Harrison and Knockeroghery in fourth (37.48).
Kate Derwin had a good day as she took fifth place with Talyas Diamond when recording four faults in 41.87 and sixth with Vales Blue Melody when incurring eight faults in 37.56.
On hand to present the prizes, Reece St John of sponsor CWD said: “It was a great tour and we really enjoyed being part of it. The venues which were chosen did an excellent job. I think this tour highlights the standard of pony riders we have this season. For me, Irish pony riders are the best in the world and their results at home and abroad are testimony to this.”
He added: “We look forward to sponsoring the tour in 2017.”