"Good time" for Thomastown

By Frank Mulvihill

Riding clubs across the country have benefited from the recent spell of good weather with entries up at a number of the annual competitions being staged. Chief among these was Thomastown Riding Club in Co Kilkenny, which held its annual spring show jumping competition at Grennan College with a locally-based rider sweeping the boards.

Caroline Dargan and Miss Good Time Girl scooped the prize in the very competitive advanced primary class. Not only a double clear but also the best time closest to the optimum allowed scored them a trophy and first place overall. Dympna and Ruth Gibbons made it a mother-daughter double for the Nuenna Farm RC scooping the intermediate and advanced intermediate sections for the Freshford-based club.

Gillian Hennessy and Third Time Lucky scooped the prize for the best turned out rider of the show. Other winners on the day were Ruth Todd (Bonny Brit) from Lismore RC in the primary class open and Donna Coady (DIS Bouncer) of Killoteran RC in the open class.

Meanwhile South Roscommon Riding Club hosted the AIRC Western Region spring jumping league on Sunday, 15 April last at Balygar EC, Balygar, Co Galway. The primary class was won by Christine Rohan (Two Son) from the host club while the advanced primary was won by Maria Griffin (Mias Delight) from Castle Carraig.

Leading rider

Gort rider Jessica Burke had a great show and was the only team member to jump a double-clear in the Nations Cup. As well as the Grand Prix title, she added another trophy to her collection when she won the six-year-old pony final. Riding European Clover, the 15-year-old jumped the only double clear of the competition. A faster second round was jumped by her fellow Irish rider, Robert Harrison from Co Longford, but a single pole down in the jump-off meant that he had to settle for second place with Mosstown Jigsaw. Burke also took home the leading rider award for her efforts.

Cavan spring show

Cali O'Donnell from Derry on Cullagh Lass was the leading rider from the three-day Cavan Pony Spring Show. Cali won two of the 148ABC competitions and also had a second place in the 148ABC final. Jordan Coyle from Co Tyrone also had a very successful show being placed first and second in the 138ABC on The Master Lady and Glenkeen Golden Wonder, respectively. Rachel Houston from Dromore, Co Down dominated 128ABC Under 10s with a win on Early Bird and a third place on Yaverland Shot Silk. Rachel was also sixth in the finals.