THE horn blowing competition for the Major Victor McCalmont trophy at last Saturday’s Irish Pony Club/Mackey Equestrian national hunter trials championships was won by the Duhallows’ David Kiely who competes in all Pony Club activities.

The 13-year-old comes from a hunting-mad family with mother Caroline, father Roger and brother Peter all being regular followers, and supporters, of the Duhallows Foxhounds. They ‘walk’ puppies for the pack each year and currently have a couple of puppies at their home outside Newmarket in Co Cork where David practices his horn blowing skills most days.

Peter competed in the Junior individual competition on Saturday but David didn’t ride at Crecora, saving his energy for the following day at Clyda where, on his fourth Eventing Ireland start, he finished third in the EI90 (P) on the seven-year-old Connemara mare Highland Carol. David also partnered the dun at last month’s IPC/Connolly’s Red Mills championships at Tattersalls where he jumped a double clear in the Junior team competition.

Lillingston, Carroll and Brennan awards

LAST Saturday’s Mackey Equestrian national hunter trials at Ballycahane Equestrian were the final championships organised this year by the Irish Pony Club and were the last opportunity for Branches to earn points towards the Lillingston, Carroll and Brennan awards.

Lillingston Cup – 1, Kildare 290 points; 2, Tipperary 257; 3, Wexford 174; 4, Duhallow 138; 5, Carlow 116; 6, Bray 105.

Carroll trophy – 1, Waterford 127 points; 2, Shillelagh 58; 3, North Kilkenny 39; 4, Co Cavan 36; 5, Leitrim 38; 6, South Westmeath.

Tommy Brennan memorial cup – 1, Leitrim 38 points, average 2.71; 2, Tipperary 257, 2.38; 3, Waterford 127, 2.19; 4, Duhallow 138, 2.16; 5, Wexford 174, 2; 6, Carlow 116, 1.63.