ponies

Emer Bermingham

Following a long season, the Coolmore Stud Pony Premier series came to an exciting close last weekend at Portmore Equestrian.

Taking the Coolmore Stud 128cm under-10’s final win was Kian Dore aboard Drumcaghey Jacko. This was an important one for Dore, as it saw him secure the overall title. One of seven clears, the combination crossed the line in 32.90 seconds.

James Derwin was almost three seconds behind with Ballyknock Master Roan, when they galloped home in 35.62s, this strong finish meant that they finished in the runner-up spot for the overall league. Derwin and Dore where neck and neck coming into the final, with both riders on 23 points.

In the Coolmore Stud 128cm final, it was Marta Hughes’ Bravo that took the win when she proved fastest of the two clears aboard Little Miss Big Time in the jump-off, in a time of 35.64s. Hughes is clearly following in the footsteps of her parents, Marion Hughes and Miguel Bravo, who are both international show jumpers. The other clear was delivered by Coen Williams and Lakefield Stormy in 41.22s. RDS champion Tom Wachman battled hard in a bid to take the win, when he crossed the line with Murphy Spartacus, carrying four faults in 37.32s for third. Although he didn’t claim victory, it was a decisive placing for Wachman, as it saw him take the series title. Wachman had gone into the final with a 12-point advantage.

VICTORY FOR WACHMAN

Denied his win in the 128cms, Tom Wachman made no mistake in the 138cms as he rode to victory. Riding Fountain Ranger, he delivered the only clear of the jump-off in a time of 37.30s. Francis Derwin and Ruby Brown accounted for sixth place, which was enough to claim the overall title.

Abbie Sweetnam took the final leg of the 148cm section. Riding Dynamite Spartacus, she was one of only two triple clears and took the win when she stopped the clock in 36.95s.

The other clear came courtesy of Seamus Hughes Kennedy and Cuffesgrange Cavalidam in a slower time of 39.37s. Kennedy went on to claim the Allianz 148cm 6/7-year Starfinder final with Keatingstown Hunky Dory. This combination has showed particularly good form this year, taking the title in Dublin as a six and seven-year-old.

Ciaran Nallon was the overall 148cm league champion, having won three of the five legs. CL

Bred by Sharon Fitzpatrick, the seven-year-old filly is by Heart Stealer, out of Glen Golden Wonder.