HEAVY rain did not dampen spirits at the bank holiday TRI Equestrian Interschools leg hosted by Coilog Equestrian last Monday. There were very good entries for all of the classes offered with action in three arenas throughout the day.

The TRI Open Team event ended in a four-team jump-off and fastest to claim the win was the team from Colaiste Bhride Carnew, represented by Crummin Pretty Lady (Hannah O’Neill), Carra Cave Boy (Cian Byrne) Lunasa Cruize (Sophie Wilson) and Banagher Christie (Johnnie Sheppard). Newbridge College took the runner-up slot ahead of Ashbourne Community School and Gorey Community School. The Newbridge College representatives were Blessington Prince Royal (Eva O’Neill), Empress Nala (Mia Brown), Mullacrew Heights (Keelin Scott) and Golden Copper (Bonnie O’Neill). Ashbourne’s team of three was Carnabay Micky (Aimee Walsh), Clonbrock Against All Odds (Clara Lynam) and Future Sky Treno, (Leeland Burtensham). The fastest four-faulter was Wesley College who took fifth while Presentation Thurles was sixth.

The Open Individual class followed and Zothen’s Nobel (Emily O’Neill) from Mercy Kilbeggan produced the fastest clear to finish ahead of Ashwood Reggie (Jessica Murphy) with Gorey CS in second and Carra Cave Boy (Cian Byrne) of Colaiste Bhride Carnew in third. Finishing the Open action, the HSI-sponsored 110 premier class was comprehensively claimed by Cian Byrne from Colaiste Bhride Carnew riding Boularee and Byrne also took fourth on He’s a Keeper. Second place went Peggy Sue (Ella Kenny) from Mount Anville. The remaining qualifying slots went to Esi Annaghmore (Toby O’Leary) from St Michael’s College, The Stig (Emily O’Neill) of Mercy Kilbeggan and Uncle Junior (Caoilfhionn Lawlor) of Borris VS.

Finishing the action in the Hornbeam Arena, the 90cm novice qualifier class attracted a large number of entries. The fastest time was set by Alanna Hanlon riding Drumree Forest Prince for Ard Scoil Rathangan. Mai Monahan on Saltre Imperial Commander for Newbridge College nearly pipped her but finished just outside her time, good enough for second place. Clare Nestor and Bobby Joe were third ahead of Sophie Thompson, Daisy Jones Rogers and Jessica Kinsella.

The novice teams’ event in the Lime Arena was claimed by Kilkenny College. Kilkenny’s team was Cabana (Olivia Cullen Kavanagh), Cappellan Star (Olivia Moore), Lily (Isabel Moore), Maple Valley (Katie Annesley). Second place went to St. Peter’s Dunboyne’s Ardmount Vazca (Collen Klinsha), Shakespeare (Clodagh Reilly) and Star Twinkle (Emily Michael) with Newbridge College representatives Bobby Joe (Claire Nestor), Doogarry Odd Socks (Isabella Walsh), Blackjack (Ellen O’Neill), Saltre Imperial Commander (Mai Monaghan). Barrowhouse Lady (Sean Tracy) from CBS Naas won the Novice 80cm event.

The Primary teams and individuals were held indoors and decided by optimum time. The team event and the 75cm class was claimed by St Anne’s Ardclough. Billy Two Shoes (Charlotte Butler), Epic Wild Fire (Kate Move), LA Dream Machine (Alice Curley), Little Miss Beezey (Lauren Blake) emerged victorious here ahead of the St Brigid’s Grange/Bennekerry NS mixed team and Kilcloon NS. The 75cm primary individual league class saw the 10 points for first being claimed by Ardclough team’s Billy Two shoes (Charlotte Butler) ahead of Darkly Julie (Molly Darby) of Tynock NS and Kilcannon Lady (Daniel Wall).

Rosie’s first win

The final class was the fun 55cm class and the winner was Teddy (Rosie Kennedy), competing in her first event and delighted with her win. Ashfield McKenzie (Alice Curley) was second while Bonnetsrath (Phillipa Hillman) was third.

There is no Interschools competition this weekend, the action next moves to Wexford Equestrian on Sunday, November 13th with Orla Roche and her team as hosts.