THE prestigious Allianz Starfinder of the Future final for six and seven-year-old 148cms ponies, reached a climax on Sunday afternoon at the national pony championships in Mullingar. Prospective purchasers, producers and spectators watched on with interest, as the top young ponies battled it out following two days of pre-qualifiers earlier in the week. Just the top 25 ponies went through to the final, with John Aylward’s six-year-old Coppenagh Oliver Twist, ridden by Oisin Aylward, taking the title when they produced the fastest clear round (35.09) of the jump-off.

Another faultless round for Robbie Clancy riding Paddy Bligh’s seven-year-old My Castlehill Lass in 35.84, saw them finish as runners-up, while Enda Briscoe’s six-year-old Revel Diamond finished third when ridden by Gavin Daly. The Connemara Pony Breeders Society, represented by Ann Reade, continued their support of the top placed Connemara Pony in the Starfinder final, by presenting a cheque to Gail McKeon, the owner of Maumeen Miley. This six-year-old dun mare by Anbally Tiger out of Manninard Amy who is by Gantry Blazer, was ridden into fourth place by Jack McKeon.