Emer Bermingham

AS expected, the second round of the ever-popular Equestrian Store and Bluegrass Pony Premier series drew a large crowd of pony riders to Ballinamona Equestrian Centre last Saturday.

In the under 10 division, leading the victory lap was Aine Shortall and Toorboy Tommy when clear in 25.52 seconds, while Maeve Clarke’s clear with Lenamore Mini Metro in 26.72 ensured her second place. Almost three seconds behind was Senan Reape and Rockside Mystifier, clear in 29.96 for third.

Jack Conlon Gateaux and Sabrina filled fourth place when clear 30.12, ahead of Tommy Halford and Dooneens Mystical Star, clear in 30.48 seconds. It was a good day for the Reape family as Paddy Reape slotted into sixth place with Vladamir, clear in 32.97, ahead of his brother Senan and Flying Star who incurred four faults in a time of 33.50. Jack Conlon Gateaux returned to take eighth place with Hinderton May Princess when crossing the line with four faults in 34.14.

128cms Premier

Following a great show performance at Mullingar International, Tom Wachman was back in the winner’s enclosure as the took the honours in the 128cms division with Sparkel, when producing a clear round in 34.13. Not content with the win, Wachman also claimed fourth place with Murphys Spartacus when clear in 36.51. County Clare rider Rhys Williams piloted Little Ceaser to a clear in 34.78 for the runner-up spot.

Winners of the opening round, Francis Derwin added to his tally when he took third place with Essener Jinja Ninja, clear in 34.96. Runner-up to Derwin at the first round, Emma McEntee gathered up valuable points when she took fifth place with Star Spangled Banner, keeping all the poles in their cups in 40.05 seconds. Ryan Sweetnam filled the next two places when he crossed the line with Hollycreek Oran Splendour, carrying four faults in 37.19, while his second mount, The Silver Legend, also faulted once in a slower time of 39.48.

138cms Pony Premier

It was a well worth trip for Ulster rider John McEntee as he partnered Hubba Bubba to a win in the 138cms division when clear in 34.49 seconds. A speed merchant against the clock, Leah Stack had an unlucky four faults in the third round with Amber Leaf, but a fast time of 29.85 secured her second place.

Amy Reape added to the Reape haul when she partnered Youghal Paddy into third place when carrying four faults in the third round in a time of 31.71, ahead of Chloe Fagan and Good Night Out, who also faulted once in 44.21 seconds. Winners of the opening round, Max Foley and Mayfly Green Peter were back to take more points when the they filled fifth place after faulting in the initial round (86.92). Seamus Hughes Kennedy completed the top six line-up when he crossed the line with Lisboy Latte in four faults 78.23 in the initial round.

148cms Pony Premier

The 148cms division came down to the wire with little separating the placings. Winner of the first round, Adam Carey and Stakati extended their lead on the leaderboard as they once again took the red rosette, when clear in the third round in 33.33 seconds.

Fellow Kilkenny rider Jack Ryan took second place with Sixmilewater Blaze when clear in 33.47. Abbie Sweetman slotted into third place with Spartacus Reape, producing a clear round in 33.62, while Emma McEntee and Annaghmore Beach Babe took fourth place when carrying four faults in a time of 39.26.

Robbie Clancy and For Kids Only faulted in the second round, but a fast time of 52.05 saw him take fifth place. Kate Derwin added to the family’s winnings when she took sixth place with Vales Blue Melody, picking up eight faults in the second round in a time of 41.70.

In the 148cms 6/7 Year-old Allianz Starfinder class, Kate Derwin and the seven-year- mare Springhill Rebellious led the victory lap.