The sun was shining for the first round of the Connaught pony leagues, which took place on Sunday in Athenry. Taking the win in the 148 1.10m HCI Connaught Pony League and Forever Equestrian National Young Pony Series was Sarah Egan and Katie Girl when they were one of three double clears in 32.35. Joshua Broderick took the longer lines with Greenfield Star and it paid off, as he came home in 35.37 for second. He also accounted for third with Maggie’s Star, delivering another clear in 39.30. Alice Curran and the six-year-old, Alice Pickle had one on the ground in 42.61 for eventual fourth. Accounting for the next two placings was Alayna Hawkins, taking fifth with MCG Carrow Crème, when fastest of the four-faulters in the first round with 86.25, and sixth with Highburren Rose, four faults in 86.52.

Leading the victory lap in the 138 1m Silver Jumper Roxboro Stud Connaught Pony League and Forever Equestrian National Young Pony Series was Niamh Delaney and Kisheen, when they were the only double clear in 39.57. Sarah Egan put in a very fast round with Rebel Gealach, but it came at a price, as they picked up four faults, crossing the line in 31.74 for second. Niamh Delaney also had one down in the second round with Rhos Enterprise, but in a slower time of 36 seconds for third. Tim Hawkins was fastest of the four-faulters in the first round with the five-year-old, Carraghy Spice in 108.92 for eventual fourth, while in fifth was William Lynskey and the six-year-old, DS Hans Off, who had two down in a time of 90.84. Rounding off the top six was Ellen Ryan and Farmhill Cailin Dun, with eight faults in 90.84.