THE annual Warrington Equestrian Centre Christmas Show got off to an exciting start on Friday as young riders took part in a host of starter competitions for their very first competitive outings.

Saturday’s competitions got off to a strong start with all of the riders in the first class delivering double clears. The Starters Seven class was the opening class of the day and included a jump off.

Taking the honours was Darragh Burns (Ollie) from Lisdowney National School, who went clear in a time of 19.27 seconds. Burns was chased home by Orla Walsh (Georgie) from Thomastown National School, ahead of Conor Ryan (Dessie) from The Rower National School.

Conor Fitzpatrick (Ballinavella Polly) from Gowran National School led the victory lap in the Starters Eight class after he went clear in 16.49 seconds. It was a good day for Gowran as Robin Carey (Copper Light) slotted into second place ahead of Sarah O’Donnell (Monserrat Sea Mist) in third.

The primary school teams competition saw 14 teams battle it out, with 11 of those progressing to the jump-off.

Taking the honours was the Christchurch National School team of Jessie Widger, Vivien Leslie, Emma Walsh and Kate Foley who completed with no faults in 54.96 seconds.

The Poulacapple team of Ciara Fleming, Paddy Fleming, Roisin Foley, Bazooka and David Fleming finished second, ahead of the Gaeilscoil team of Sallyann Geoghan, Kelly Fogarty, Evan O’Neill and Tara Fogarty.

On Sunday, Aisling O’Neill (Bisto) rode to victory in the first class after she went clear in 40.14, while Laura Hoban and Maura McInerney shared the tops spot in the second competition, both finishing on zero faults.

Victory in the adults class one went to Aishling Doyle (Barney), clear in 44.71 seconds. Olivia Byrne (Georgie B) won the second adults class when she jumped clear in 40.02 and took home the Kieran Hickey Memorial Trophy.

Caoilfhionn Ní hÁrgáin (Jake) took the honours in the 80cms class, while Clodagh Burke (Paris Texas) won the 90cms class. Conor Fitzpatrick (Skip Along Malibu) rode to victory in the 1m class.

Jack Ryan who won the 1.10m Grand Prix and the inaugural Tommy Brennan Memorial trophy when he jumped clear with Lady in 27.33 seconds. Not content with the winner’s rosette, he also took second place with Costello’s Boy (31.18).

Nicola Ring celebrated her birthday with a great win in the 1.20m Grand Prix on Errigal Rock when she went clear in 32.18 seconds. The combination also featured in the line-up in the 1.10m Grand Prix by finishing third. Jack Ryan (Costello’s Boy) finished second in the 1.20m, while third place was occupied by Catherine Murphy and Top Priority.