Minimus action

ALMOST 400 combinations will compete in the Holmestead Saddlery/Irish Pony Club national minimus championships at Punchestown today (Saturday), where the action commences with the cross-country ride phase.

The locally-based Kildare Pony Club is going all-out for glory with nine full teams listed followed by the Carlow and Tipperary branches with six apiece and the Ward Union with five. These four Clubs will also have individuals riding in their colours. The first warm-up for the swim phase in The Curragh Swimming Pool is scheduled for 8am tomorrow with competitors then heading back to Punchestown for the run which commences at approximately 2pm.

Lisbon Nations Cup

IRELAND’s team of Jack Dodd (Wrangler II), Michael G Duffy (Felix), Marion Hughes (Can Ya Makan) and Capt Geoff Curran (Ringwood Glen) was drawn second to go in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup (division two) in Lisbon last night. Ireland is eligible to compete in division two competition but the result does not count for any league points as Ireland is in division one. See The Irish Field next week for a full report.

HOYS winner

CONGRATULATIONS to Yvonne Cummins from Derrylangan, Athboy, Co Meath who won a fantastic trip to the Horse Of The Year Show, including return flights, four-star hotel accommodation and show tickets, courtesy of the Birmingham show. The world-famous show will take place in October and feature the very best of show jumping, showing and all things equestrian.