AFTER a wet first week of July, the skies over Galway finally cleared just in time for Ardrahan Show. The Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series saw a disappointing turnout of five competitors for this leg compared to the previous weekend in Clonmel which boasted over 20 thoroughbreds across the novice and open classes. Nevertheless, each and every duo was turned out to perfection and ready to put their best foot forward in front of the judges.

The Novice class red ribbon was taken by 2017 mare Bonita Bay and her proud owner Carolann Dowling. Bonita Bay is an unraced bay out of Night Scent by Alhebayeb. Patience proved to be a virtue for this pair, as they were unsuccessful in qualifying for the upcoming final at Royal Meath at both Mullingar Show and Clonmel Show. However, their performance last weekend secured them a spot in the novice class of the final this September.

A close second was Alice Fitzgerald on Loaded, a 2013 gelding by Kodiac out of Fikrah. Loaded saw the racetrack 44 times, winning four times and placing six times. This combination landed their spot in the final early on in the series, at the Sceilig Showing Festival qualifier in May.

Grade 3 winner General Principle and Seainin Mahon returned to the limelight to steal first place in the open class. After travelling to Lurgan to partake in Treo Eile’s showing clinic with Kevin McGuinness during the week, Seainin and General Principle felt refreshed and ready to take on the show ring. Their Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series debut has earned them a spot in the final at the Royal Meath Show in September.

Hot on their tails were Jamie Buckley and the Cooper family-owned Woodland Opera. Woody is a 13-year-old Grade 2 winning gelding out of Opera Hat by Robin Des Champs. Travelling from the opposite side of the country, this duo made the most of their day to place second and also secure a spot in the final.

Of the five competitors, Max Dynamite and rider Liz Murphy were the only pair not qualified for the series final, although their performance at Athenry last month proves they do have what it takes to get there.

With just three qualifiers remaining, there are a total of 19 thoroughbreds qualified for the Royal Meath Show on September 3rd.

The Ardrahan results are as follows:

Novice: 1st: Carolann Dowling, Bonita Bay; 2nd: Alice Fitzgerald, Loaded.

Open: 1st: Seainin Mahon, General Principle; 2nd: Jamie Buckley, Woodland Opera; 3rd: Liz Murphy, Max Dynamite