MULLINGAR Equestrian hosted the latest leg of the TRI Equestrian League last Sunday. The International Arena was used for the Open events where action first got under way in the TRI Equestrian team event.

Here Newbridge College, represented by Rama Boy (Cici Murray), Prince (Eva O’Neill), Golden Copper (Bonnie O’Neill) and Cornaughy Noel (Sarah Fleming) emerged as the winners. Meán Scoil Longford’s Sleehaun Magic (Jean Kenny), Rose Na Ri (Laura Finnegan), Derrartha Thomas (Olivia Johnston) and West House Spencer (Ellie Johnson) took second place with Marist College’s Rock N Roll (James Derwin), Little Miss Dignified (Tadgh McKiernan), Westmount Custard Cream (Barry Carr) and April (Paidi McKiernan) in third. Mercy Ballymahon’s Shanes Lad (Gemma Whyte), A Boy Duggie (Katie Duignan) and Illane Dante (Ella Duignan) placed fourth.

The TRI Equestrian open individual event followed on with some excellent jumping on display. Zothen’s Nobel, ridden by Emily O’Neill for Mercy Kilbeggan, saw off Hannah O’Neill on Drummin Pretty Lady for Coláiste Bhríde Carnew to claim first place. Nicole Brennan (Sadie) from St Joseph’s Rochfortbridge was third. The remaining places went to Ella Duignan, Emily Crawford and Maeve Deverell.

The HSI 110 class was claimed by Katie Duignan on A Boy Duggie for Mercy Ballymahon, with Emily O’Neill from Mercy Kilbeggan in second, this time partnered by Tullineaskey Diamond Mate, (aka The Stig). Phillipa Halliwell, also from Mercy Kilbeggan, rode Carrageen Moore’s and Bendy into third and fourth. Hannah O’Neill (Drummin Pretty Lady) from Carnew was fifth with Usane Bolt, ridden by John Miney for Moyne Community School, in sixth.

The 75cm individual league class took place in this arena before the action moved on to all the open riders. Ryan O’Neill riding Jedi for St Anne’s Tyrrellspass won the EII75cm class to gain the all-important 10 points towards the final. The remaining league points went to Claudia O’Neill (Tyrrellspass) and Hazel Slattery (Kilraine NS).

Meanwhile the novice action was taking place in sand arena one. The first class of the day was the EII novice teams’ event. Moyne Community School’s Sindy (Liam Galligan), Miami (Ellen McHugh), Bailey (Martha Miney) and Ella (Avril McCann) emerged victorious with St Peter’s Dunboyne’s Inchydoney (Lily Knapp-McMahon), San Francisco Clover (Colleen Klinowska), Slane Twinkle Star (Emily Michael) in second. Loreto Wexford’s Starlight Empress (Amy Griffith), Shakespeare’s Romeo Montague (Cora Finn), Joy Limit (Ashley Durack) and WNDA Toby (Aoife Griffith) came third. The novice teams from Newbridge College, Athlone Community School and Dunleer took the remaining rosettes on offer.

The warm up 80cm class followed and Kate Lawlor representing Kilbeggan, riding Bannview Spartacus, came first with Daisy Jane Rogers on Puzzle Piece, representing Our Lady’s Bower, in second. This was followed by the Equieire EII qualifier, always a popular class. Clare Nestor with Freddie from Newbridge College saw off fellow teammate Ellen O’Neill (Heidi) into second place. Hazel McGoey from Donabate CC, riding Whitethorn Thor, was third with remaining qualifying slots going to Sarah Boyce Donoghue, Martha Miney, Daisy Jane Rodgers and Leah Durkan.

Mullingar EC also offered a full range of local novice classes ranging in height from 50/60cm to 80cm.

The penultimate leg of the league is taking place this weekend at Coilóg Equestrian with Wesley College as hosts.