Isabel Hurley
FORMER World Champion, Dermott Lennon and 11-time national champion Francis Connors will be among the list of riders taking part in the first Grand Prix of the The Underwriting Exchange Jumping in the City series, which kicks off in Limerick Greyhound Stadium next Friday, June 5th.
Lennon will be riding Judith Sossick’s prolific Irish-bred sport horse mare Loughview Lou Lou and also qualifying for the Grand Prix is the recent FEI international-winning combination Captain Michael Kelly on Drumiller Lough (ISH).
Among the riders qualifying due to their SJI ranking are Ger O’Neill (Go For It) and Francis Connors (Hyperion) as well as 16-year-old teenage sensation Susan Fitzpatrick (Cavalino), the highest placed young rider at the Horseware/TRM Premier series Grand Prix in Louth.
Ireland’s chef d’equipe Robert Splaine selected Deane Rogan (Falco Van Spieveld) and Neal Fearon (Roechen) while the organising committee allocated two places to local riders Joan Greene (Biscaya D’Eversem) and international event rider Michael Ryan (Ballylynch Wizard).
Also on the starting list for the Grand Prix are John McLaughlin (Javas Wild Child (ISH)), Seamus Hayes (Barichello W), Catherine Thornton (Derryinver Luxury Cruise (ISH)), Edward Butler (Caugherty), Liam O’Meara (Mr Coolcaum (ISH)), Gerald Clarke Jnr (Rafiki (ISH)) and Daniel Coyle (Zuidam).
PUISSANCE
Meanwhile the six riders selected by the SJI competitions committee to contest the Devenish Puissance are Sven Hadley (Bellscross Cruisedown), Jason Higgins (Hadine Vant Zorgvliet), Gabriel Corless (Rockstown Park), William McDonnell Jnr (Castlecomer Q), Liam O’Meara (Ciser) and Vincent Byrne (Acorad 3).
The amateur class, featuring 16 riders, will start at the earlier time of 6.15pm with the Grand Prix timed for 7.30pm and the Puissance for 8.30pm. Gates open at 5.30pm and tickets can be either purchased in advance by phoning 1890 269 969 or can be bought on the night. Tickets cost €15 for adults, children under 14 are free and student/OAP rates are €10.
The list of starters for the upcoming Cork Grand Prix and Puissance will be announced next week.
AMATEURS
In all, 16 amateur riders will contest the Limerick leg of The Underwriting Exchange Jumping in the City series, as well in the class sponsored by Westwood Ifor Williams.
They include Chantal Kiely (Flogas Wodonja G); Katie Frazer (Keylogues Clover Lady); Victoria McKee (Carrigeen Mos); Paul Carroll (Castleroache La Roache); John Cullinan (Katzenjammer); Julie O’Sullivan-Gallagher (Doneybrewer Cruise); Aileen McDermott (Kilcor Amber); Andrew Byrne (Hunters Lodge Puissance); Pat Murphy (You Two Babe); Mark Bolger (Bambi De La Bouverie); Aoife Maguire (Mane Attraction); Adrian Gilmartin (Pico Bella Stal Ham); Jean Glasheen (Teardrop Express); Jane Kennedy (Inspector Gadget); Marita Byrne (Don Brook); Johnnie Fitzpatrick (Saunders Beach Ball Cruise).