ONE of the most exciting classes held in the main arena at the annual Balmoral Show is the 128 85cm Under 10s Championship. Each year, talented young show jumpers attend qualifiers around the country to get a chance to take part. An extra element of prestige has been added this year, with Karlswood on board as sponsor.

The first qualifier for this year’s class was held at Cavan on Sunday and what a competition it was. Thirty-five combinations set out to book their ticket to Balmoral Show, with 19 of them jumping super clear first rounds. The jump-off saw 12 of those clearing all the fences second time out, with time very much being the deciding factor. These 128 ponies and riders can certainly move and there were some nail-biting moments as they sped their way round the course.

Tim Morton on Parkhill Crackerjack, pictured with his sisters, Kathryn and Abbey, who train him, following his win in the Balmoral 128 85cm Under 10s qualifier at Cavan

On form

Six-year-old Tim Morton might have been the youngest competitor in the class, but the Ulster Region member was also the fastest. As last to go in the jump-off, he jumped a fantastic clear round in a time of 30.14 seconds to win the class with his talented eight-year-old pony Parkhill Crackerjack. He was followed by Munster’s Lauren Walsh on Pallas Fondi (30.29) in second place and Ulster’s Caitie McEvoy on Tynnan Tuttle Pip (31.64) in third. Tim was back in the line up with one of his other ponies, Tuscan Star, on whom he finished sixth.

Tim’s dad, Ronnie, spoke to The Irish Field about his win at Cavan: “He jumped a very good round – he is usually quite focused and calculated, but this round was exceptionally good! Tim is trained by his two sisters, Abbey and Kathryn – so he has an entourage with him at shows.

“On Sunday, Joanne and I were with our other son, Peter in another ring, but I got a break for five minutes to watch Tim’s two rounds. I was pleased for Tim to see things come together. He actually really enjoys it and would be at the yard most evenings. He used to be lifted out of his pram to sit on a pony – he could probably ride before he could walk! Long may it last, we’ll see how it goes.

“This sport is tough and you have to keep at it - some days aren’t so good, so you have to take it all with a pinch of salt and keep going. The animals have to enjoy their job.

“We had a family outing with Tynan and Armagh hunt on Boxing Day. Tim hunted that pony and jumped everything that everyone else jumped! The pony was class and was quite sensible.”

When asked about what’s next for Tim, Ronnie said: “He will go to some of the other qualifiers for experience before going to the main arena at Balmoral; it’s huge. If he comes out with a positive experience, I’ll be happy enough.”

Tim’s next outing will be to Portmore on Sunday and we wish him all the best!