Emer Bermingham

THE penultimate round of the Equestrian Store and Bluegrass Premier went down to the wire at Raheen na Gun as riders battled hard to put points on the leaderboard ahead of the final at the SJI Pony and Young Rider Championships.

In the under 10 division, it was Katie Nallon riding Rashers and Sausages who delivered the winning round, clear in 24.29. Little separated the next placing as Martha Hughes on Bravo and Cocky Rocky galloped home in 24.43. Jack Conlon Gateaux added to his tally when he crossed the line with Sabrina in 24.47 for third, while Coen Williams and Derryclogher Misty took fourth, clear in 24.72. Katie Nallon was back in the ribbons claiming fifth place with Whitestream Cruise in 24.97. Senan Reape completed the top sixth when clear with King of Rock and Roll in 25.01.

In the 128cms division, just two combinations delivered triple clears and the fastest of those was Niamh McEvoy. Riding Sparkling Majestic Cruise, she crossed the line in 27.29 to take the win. Placed second in Barnadown, Katie McEntee repeated her performance as she partnered Kilcreene Apollo into the runner-up when clocking a time of 27.86.

The last of the triple clears went to Francis Derwin and Essner Essenar Jinja Ninja in 25.45. Fastest of the four-faulters in the last round was Ryan Sweetman and The Silver Legend in 27.87, ahead of Tom Wachman and Parc Epic in 27.99. Rhys Williams had a good day when he took sixth place with Corwebstuds Black Jack, four faults in 28.34 and seventh with Little Caeser, four faults in 28.86.

VICTORY LAP

Leading the victory lap in the 138cms section was Max Foley and Sandy when they delivered a triple clear in 28.39 seconds. Fractions behind was John McEntee and Hubba Bubba, clear in 29.81. A familiar face in the winners’ enclosure, Ciaran Nallon accounted for third when he lodged a clear with Kiltormer Hero in 31.17, while Robyn Moran was last of the triple clears with Western Toby in 31.44. Moran lodged the fastest round with Western Oreo in 26.92, but it came at a price as she incurred four faults for fifth. Amy Reape completed the top six line-up when she crossed the line carrying four faults with Youghal Paddy (31.22).

In the 148cms division it was Emma McEntee who led the victory lap. Riding Annaghmore Beech Babe, she was one of only two triple clears in 31.90. Ruari Clarke’s more cautious approach aboard Knockroe Little Mike paid off as he recorded the second clear in 35.90 for second. Fastest of the four-faulters in the triple round (31.47) and taking third was Kate Derwin and Vales Blue Melody. Sean Monaghan was unlucky to have two down in the final round with Adja in 33.49 for fourth. Oisin Aylward and Coppenagh Oliver Twist were fastest of the four-faulters in the second round in 42.98 for fifth, ahead of Ciaran Nallon who was the fastest four-faulters in the first round (70.72).

Kate Derwin was back in the ribbons this time taking the win in the Allianz Starfinder with the seven-year-old Springhill Rebellious, when clear in 29.00. Sean Monaghan and Splendid B took second when clear in 31.50, ahead of Oisin Aylward and Coppenagh Oliver Twist, clear in 31.91. In fourth place was Jennifer Kuehnle and Corbeagh Starburst, clear in 34.31, while Lucy O’Sullivan and Mochulla Blue were almost four seconds behind in 38.38 for fifth place. James O’Meara and and Shakespears Memory were last of the double clears in 39.17 for sixth.