CAVAN Equestrian Centre was full of festive spirit last weekend as it played host to their annual Christmas Pony Show. The two-day show not only involved a full schedule of classes but also included a visit from Santa Claus himself to the delight of the younger riders. The event, which has grown to become one of their busiest shows of the year, included the Farnham Estate Hotel-sponsored Indoor Derby events. The derby course proved to be one of the more competitive classes, with riders facing a 16-fence course which is set out over the two indoor arenas.

Following in her brother Ciaran’s footsteps, Katie Nallon made her presence felt in Cavan as she led the victory lap in the 128-85cms U10s derby aboard Rashers and Sausages. Taking the runner-up sport was James Derwin and Ballyknock Master Roan, while in third was Lily O’Dea and Whitestream Cruise. Later in the day, Kilkenny rider Timmy Brennan and GCS Cutie lodged the winning round in the 128-90cms derby. It was a good day for the Brennan family as Eoin Brennan took second place with Gelliganol Guinever. Slotting into third place was Cian O’Callaghan riding CS Amigo. Victory in the 128-1cms derby went to Tadhg McKiernan and Oopy. Resident rider Camryn Clarke put in a great round with Parc Crème Brulee but had to settle for second place, ahead of Aaron John Killoran and Soxs Bay.

Ronan O’Callaghan’s great round aboard Wizz saw him take the winner’s rosette in the 138cm-1m derby, while in second place was John McEntee and Edentrillick Jazz. In third place was Jane Cassidy riding Shangan Little Shrek. Later in the day Roisin O’Sullivan rode to victory in the 138cm-1.10m division aboard Triplicate.

Meath rider Christopher Dehaene made it look easy as he partnered Clonaltra Acorn to a win in the 148cms-1m derby. Dehaene was chased home by Robin Carey riding Flauriso Fly. Familiar faces in the winners’ enclosure in Cavan, Trudie McCoosh riding Silver Dream and Francis Derwin riding Springhill Annora shared third place. Francis Derwin was back in the ribbons, this time claiming the honours in the 148cms-1.10m derby with Springhill Annora.

In second place was Annie Courtney Cadam riding Attyory Clover Lilly, while third place belonged to Hugo Mcalpine and Slieve Bloom Holly. It was a well worthwhile journey from Cork for Kate Dilloughery as she partnered Oldthort Princess to a win in the 148cms-1.20m derby. Taking the runner-up prize was Jack Ryan riding Caher Dubh, ahead of Hugo Mcalpine and Loughnatousa Ron.

Grand Prix

Last Sunday riders took to the arenas to contest the Grands Prix. The Derwin family had much to celebrate as James took the honours in the 128-80cms Grand Prix with Ballyknock Master Roan. In second place was Tabitha Kyle riding Corey’s Princess, ahead of Harry Rush riding Caughley Limited Edition. Victory in the 128-90cms Grand Prix went to Alexandra Hourigan and Little Rock Hopscotch.

Tabitha Kyle was back to claim another rosette when she accounted for second place with Borderhill William. James Derwin also added to his winnings when he took third place with Ballyknock Master Room. Victory in 128cm-1m Grand Prix went west, as Sligo rider Aaron John Killoran and Soxs Bay. Taking second place was Timmy Brennan and Derryglogher, ahead of Annie Gibson and Lisboy Black Magic.

Waterford rider Emma Walsh made no mistake in the Syncom Group-sponsored 138cm-1m Grand Prix when she took the win aboard Sunday Ru Flavien. Jane Cassidy added to her haul of prizes when she took the runner-up spot with Shangan Little Shrek, ahead of Darragh Murphy and Lady Zee. Roisin O’Sullivan came back to claim another win as she took the honours in the 138cms-1.10m Grand Prix aboard Triplicate. In second place was Alex Finney and Keogans Boy, while Emma Jane McCloskey and Mentos-Lara took third.

Victory in the 148cms-1.10m Grand Prix went to Aishling McGuinness when she delivered the winning round aboard Lord of the Rings. Kate Dilloughery and Oldthort Princess took the runner-up place ahead of Robin Carey and Flamingo Fly. The 148cm-1.20m Grand Prix proved to be a nail-biting class. Following a tough competition, it was Cora Sharkey and Whos Arco who took the win. Ciaran Nallon and Lislan Picola took second place ahead of Ben Welton and Carnalecka Quickstep.