THE prestigious Allianz Starfinder League for 148cms six and seven-year-old ponies took place in conjunction with the Premier Series at Barnadown EC last weekend.

There were a further 10 qualifying places on offer to riders who wish to make a tilt at winning the coveted Allianz Starfinder of the Future 2015 title.

Thirty-four young ponies started in this class, which is run on a handicap basis with the six-year-olds jumping first before the course is raised to accommodate the seven-year-olds.

Only four six-year-olds made it into the jump-off, while eight of the older division made it into the jump-off.

The results showed a split in favour of the older ponies, as Kate Derwin took first place on Anne Derwin’s seven-year-old Kilcurry Dawn (clear in 32.36 seconds), ahead of Mary Monaghan’s Shirsheen Cruiser, this six-year-old ridden by Sean Monaghan. The pair completed on a zero score in 34.20.

Third place went to local girl Emer Kavanagh as she brought her father Pat’s seven-year-old Crossgales Boy, home clear in 36.21, this to complete the double as they also qualified for the RDS.

Kilkillahora Stag, the six-year-old owned by Alan Dempsey and ridden by Andrea Dempsey, finished in fourth (37.72), with fifth place going to Jodie Giles on her mother Julie Pratt’s seven-year-old Whos Bits and Pieces (44.46).

Monaghan also claimed sixth place on Cool Pat, appropriately named after his owner Paddy Quinlan, this pair remaining on zero in a time of 47.55.