The Showjumpers’ Spring Tour was designed to act as a stepping stone for riders and horses moving up the levels and it is certainly ticking all the boxes this year. Over the last number of years Sven Hadley dominated the series, with multiple wins and good placings in almost every round. The previous year was dominated by Liam O’Meara. However, this is not the case this year, with new talent being highlighted in each round.

In Ballinamona, Waterford, last week, it was Kilkenny rider Kieran Carey and Hip Boy who were the fastest of 18 in the jump-off, jumping clear in 33.50 seconds. Although neither part of this combination can be classified as novice, it was their first win in the series. In 2017, the combination took the runner-up spot, behind Francis Connors and Uskerty Diamond Lady.

Hip Boy is a 14-year-old gelding, by Hip Hop and out of Kotiljong (Beach Boy). He was bred by Bengt-Åke Bengtsson, Eneryda (Sweden) and is registered by the Swedish Warmblood Association. He jumped up to CSI3* in Valencia this February.

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Carey’s children, Philip and Adam, are also seasoned competitors and both have also campaigned Hip Boy with much success.

Home produced

Derek McConnell filled second place with Sorcha Hennessy’s Dothraki Warlord. This horse is a great example of how Irish horses are produced. Under McConnell’s command, he clocked up a series of results in the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series and in the aged classes. The gelding, who was bred by Patrick J Kearns from Co Laois, is by Mermus R and out of the Diamant De Semilly-sired dam, Tiamo Diamant.

Hennessy has been a loyal owner to McConnell. This year he will campaign two four-year-olds for her. One is a Zangersheide stallion called Domino LVS Z (Diamant De Semilly, out of the Cento-sired dam, Wonder Why). The other is Old Rock Candy (by Sligo Candy Boy x Old Rock Girl), who was bought in the Monart November sale.

Third place went to Thomas Foley and Ballylynch Wizard. The 17-year-old gelding is a season competitor in eventing and show jumping. He is by Kannan and out of Courtisane Du Thot (Ryon D’Anzex). Under the command of International eventers Michael and Trish Ryan he competed with much success up to CCI4*-S (previously CIC3*).

He was show jumped by Michael Ryan before being bought by the Foleys. Cormac, Ciaran and Thomas Foley have been consistently placed at home and abroad with the gelding. Ciaran rode him as part of the Irish team that finished third in the Nations Cup in Opglabbeek and second in Fontainebleau.

Ones to watch

Other combinations to watch include Patrick Hickey and Quandurina, who finished in the top 10, jumping clear in 38.48.

This 12-year-old Holsteiner mare is by Quidam de Revel and out of Handura (Calato); and new contender, Tipperary rider Andrew Hodgins. Hodgins, who finished sixth with the nine-year-old mare Sandra (Luz Z x Thorn Hill Sandy).

Competing in their first round of the 2019 series, Francis Connors and Canterbury Della Caccia claimed seventh place when clear in 40.42.

Owned by Ballywalter Stables, Connors began riding this eight-year-old gelding last March and has been consistent at this level.

The gelding is by Conte Della Caccia and out of Capitol I-sired dam Cassini.

Consistently placed at 1.20m level, Gillian Bond and Vicomte DH Z moved up the ranks when they slotted into eighth place.

Also moving up a level was Ganturano, who was under the command of Vincent Byrne.

Owned by Michael Hayden and Paul O’Shea, the eight-year-old KWPN (Canturano x Vita) gelding jumped clear in 45.44 to finish ninth.

Last year, Byrne campaigned the horse on the European circuit and qualified for the seven/eight-year-olds in the Dublin Horse Show, and later competed in Lanaken.

Claiming the Botanica International Ltd Leading Young Rider prize was Patrick Hickey. CL