MULLINGAR Equestrian was a hive of activity as it played host to the Young Rider Championships last weekend. With titles on the line over two action-packed days, every point mattered. By Sunday, the champions were crowned: Ruby Lily Gaines and Castle Lux Clover took home both the overall Rider/Horse Combination title and the Junior Championship. Billy Sinnott, riding GCS Jasmine, secured the Young Rider Combination title, while Charlotte Butler and Kingston King claimed victory in the Children on Horses title.

The action began on Saturday with the 1.10m Welcome Stakes and Wicklow’s Cian Byrne got his campaign off to a good start as he took the honours in the opening class. Riding Sandra Duffy’s China Man, he lodged a clear in 30.26. Just over a second behind was Charlotte Butler aboard Olwyn Alexander’s Kingston King in a time of 31.47. Ulster’s Nicole Fox partnered Gwyn Yemm’s Bluestones Ludo to a clear in 31.48 for third place. A clear from Munster’s Natasha Foley aboard the seven-year-old Ironman in 31.75 saw them take fourth, with fifth filled by Wexford rider Isabelle Boland aboard the six-year-old Boleybawn Reverie (33.06). Completing the top six was Munster’s Tamar Perry and her own Hermes De Cavalier (33.60).