FRIDAY was Derby Day at Cavan’s three-day December pony show with a total of six Derby classes included in the schedule.

In the 148-1.05cm, 76 combinations went to post and taking the win was Cian Byrne riding Carra Cave Boy. The pair were almost a second faster than their closest rival when clear in 27.45. Anna Morrissey and Shergar Rose took the runner-up spot when they came home in 28.34, ahead of Connie Mensley and Banner Girl, clear in 29.01.

The winner of the 41-strong 148-1.15cm Derby was Alanna Stewart, who was riding Gateau Mr Blue. She came home with nothing to add in a time of 28.54. Connie Mensley was back in the ribbons again in this division, taking second place with Teagan Arla Rose, when they were the only other double clear in a time of 30.65. Claudia Carroll and River View Annie were fastest of the four-faulters in a fast time of 27.99 for third.

Sophia Bingham led the victory lap in the 138cm-1m Derby, when she partnered Little Pretender to a clear in 25.70. Edie Codd wasted no time with Tempest Glenville and crossed the line with nothing to add in 26.02 to take second place. Slotting into third place were Lara Boman and Jack Sparrow when they came home in a time of 26.59.

Mensley on fire

Only 12 started in the 138-1.10m Derby where Connie Mensley added to his haul when he took the win. Riding the Jeremy Sweetnam-owned Never Last Spartacus, he produced the only clear to win in 103.17.

There were no clears in the 128-1m derby but the winner when fastest of those who finished on four faults was Helen Walsh with Knockash Lady Bird, in a time of 91.77. Sam Widger also had one on the floor with Creevelea Fire Fox, in a slower time of 94.92 to finish runner-up, while in third was Chloe Clarke and Six’s Bay, four faults in 97.68.

In the 128-90cm derby, 41 combinations went to post with nine delivering double clears.

Taking the win was Edward Walsh and Zulus Dream, clear in 24.20. Aimee Moloney took the runner-up spot, with Magnificent Magnet when they galloped home in a time of 24.78.

Sam Widger and Creevelea Fire Fox accounted for third place when they were less than a second behind in a time of 25.47.