MULLINGAR EC was a hive of activity last weekend, as it hosted the Showjumping Ireland national pony and young rider championships.

The 128cms ponies were the first to take to the Allianz arena on Saturday in the 80cms national pony league finals. First to go in the jump-off, Stephen Gibbons and Sligo Little Star set a good target with a clear in 36.28 seconds, which would eventually see him finish as runner-up. Heather Byrne and Kilmoylan Joey also put in a great effort and their time of 36.50 proved good enough for third. A brilliant round from Olivia Shanahan saw her take the championship honours with Baronagh Boy when they finished clear in 35.82 .

The following day, Shanahan claimed third place in the 85cms class with Baronagh Boy and later she also won the under 10 national discovery league final.

Jessica Baxter and Greenfield Mayflower came out on top in the 50cms newcomers final, while Alex McMaster and Master Valentine took the honours in the 60cms national discovery league final for riders under eight-years-old.

COMPETITIVE

The 70cms championship proved very competitive, with 18 competitors battling it out for the title. In the finish it was Ben Moore and Glasson Royal Gold that led the victory lap when they stopped the clock in 30.83.

Kate Lynch and Cahirmee Flower’s time of 31.26 saw them finish as runners-up, while Emma O’ Connor and Jadee finished third.

O’Connor later returned to claim the 80cms class, this time riding Are You Nearly There Yet. She lodged the winning round when clear in 30.56, while second place went to Eric Mellerick and Cherokee Red, with Fiachra Mahony and Blaircourt Toy Time finishing third.

Martha Hughes and Cocky Rocky emerged as winners in the 85cms class for riders under 10. Fourth last to go, the duo lodged the winning time of 25.39. Aine Shortall crossed the line clear in 26.06 for the runner-up spot.

Aaron-John Killoran and Barrera Star Attraction took the crown in the 90cms championship. Eva Cassidy’s and Miss Giggle crossed the line in 31.70 for second place, while Aoife Drea riding Travis took third. This partnership also took the runner-up spot in the one metre championship behind Caragh Charlton and Rotherwood Dinky Toy who lodged the winning round when clear in 30.21. Third place went to Emma O’ Connor and Pepper Diamond.

The 1.15m class saw 21 go to post, with eight combinations making it into the second round. Ryan Sweetman looked set to deliver the first double clear with Silver Legend but four faults at the penultimate fence in a time of 27.45, saw him eventually finish third. Erin Crawford and Drumcaghey Jacko delivered the first double clear in 28.50 which proved good enough to take the championship.

Rhys Williams looked on target to win with Parch Giggles, but four faults at fence four in 27.39 saw him finish second.

138cm championship

The first of the 138cms pony competitions at Mullingar was the 90cms national pony league final. Katie Power and Glountane Beauty set what proved an unbeatable target when double clear in 34.18. Alana Roulston aboard Kiltown Sunshine finished second in 35,32, while Jack Ryan and Dolly Du Carel finished third.

The 80cms crown belonged to Brendan Lynch and Tinnecarrig Ben who was fastest in 32.56, ahead of Mae Nedelec and Another Mercury in second (32.81). Mark Moloney delivered a double clear with CEC Mo Jo in 34.28 for third.

Kathryn Morton and Tynan Espresso took the 90cms championship when they produced the winning time of 32.53. Ciaran Byrne and Tinchy Stryder clocked 33.65 for second, while Roisin Mahony and Spike B finished third when clear in 35.42.

Chloe Fagan and Simply The Best Tyson left her rivals behind in the one metre division when fastest of the 54 starters in 29.53. Fagan was chased home by Rebecca Stack and Coral Queen (30.35) in second, ahead of Conor Leahy and Knockash Benji (30.55) who finished third.

Conor Costello and Golden Copper recorded the winning round in the 1.10m championship, finishing clear in 29.81. Conor Leahy and Robin Aille clocked 30.75 for second place, while Robyn Fagan and Midnite Surprise were close behind in 31.04 taking third.

The 1.25m championship went to Kate Derwin and Small Titan. Third to go in the jump-off, Derwin wasted no time and lodged the winning round of clear in 25.69. Robyn Moran took a similar line with Western Oreo and a time of 26.40 saw him take second. Jack Ryan was back in the ribbons, taking third with My Little Lady when clear in 27.34.

148cms championship

Olivia Roulston and Drumdoit Vtec finished top of the standings in the one metre national pony league final. Jumping mid-way through the second round, Roulson set the unbeatable time of 33.45. Hugo McAlphine and G Maha had earlier lodged a clear in 34.25 for second place, while Orla MacDonagh and Patchwork Quilt’s time of 36.03 proved good enough for third.

Roulson and Drumdoit Vtec also took the 90cms championship when clocking 29.39. She was chased home by Saoirse Curran and Aherlow Boy in 29.40. Third place went to Jennifer Torrens and Bellindene Fagin in 29.82.

On-form Roulston returned to take the 1.10m championship aboard Sparkling Gold Apache. Fourth-to-go in the class, she crossed the line clear in 26.16. Shane Moloney and Summer Blaze took runner-up spot in 27.26, while Cora Sharkey’s clear with Midnight Sky in 28.57 saw her finish third.

Jack Ryan took the one metre championship with Holiday Hop On when clear in 29.03. Rachel Mc Alinden took the more careful approach with Knockash Willis and it paid off as she crossed the line in 30.41 for second, ahead of Tiernan Gray and Sengo in third (31.76).

Jack Ryan returned to also take the 1.20m with Clonmoyle Cowboy when galloping home in 30.65. Second place went to Gavin Daly and Carnhill Bertas Lad in 30.71, ahead of Cian Harrison and Where’s My Colour (35.09).

Michael Pender continued the excellent form he showed at Millstreet, when he took victory in the 1.35m. Riding Cul Ban Mistress, he posted the winning clear round in 31.97. Oisin Aylward and Tom Sparrow were the only other double clear in 35.09 to finish second, while Ciaran Nallon was fastest of the four faulters with Sligo Little James in third.