PONIES

Emer Bermingham

Following a busy international show last weekend, Cavan Equestrian was back in action as it hosted its two-day end-of-season winter pony championships last weekend.

Incorporated into the full packed schedule was the final of the Kingsland Pony League and Tansan Properties League. Following some tough competition, the winner of the Kingsland League in the 128cm section was Freya Sayle riding Fenaghbeg Ever, the 138cm winners were Morgan Cummins riding North Star, while the 148cm crown went to Caragh Charlton riding Woody’s Girl.

The Tansan Properties League, which was run as Grand Prix classes, also went down to the wire. In the 128cm section, it was Max Foley and Sparkle that took the win, clear in 31.31 seconds. Tom Wachman put in a gallant attempt with Murphy Spartacus, but a clear in 32.51 saw him slot into second, ahead of John McEntee and Star Spangled Banner in 35.92. Fourth place belonged to Francis Derwin and Buachaill when they were fasted of the four-faulters in 31 seconds. Max Wachman’s fast round with Little Jack Spratt (31.03) cost him dearly as he crossed the line carrying four faults for fifth place, while Francis Derwin also had an unlucky four faults with Derwin’s Essenar Jinja Ninja in 31.32 for sixth place.

In the 138cm section, it was another win for the Foleys as Jason partnered Ferrybank Roy to a win when clear in 32.73. Foley was chased home by Max Wachman and Dycott Masterman, who was fractions behind in 33.16. No stranger to Cavan, Kate Derwin made no mistake with Sligo Lux To Queeney, but a slower time of 35.95 secured her third. Foley was back in the ribbons taking fourth with Sandy as fastest of the four-faulters in 34.46. Kate Derwin and Max Wachman also added to their tally, as Derwin took fifth place with Small Titan and Wachman claimed sixth with Scarlett’s Billy the Kid.

Ciaran Nallon topped off a great season as he piloted Sligo Little James to a win in the 148cm 1.30m Grand Prix, clear in 36.33. Not content with the win, he also took second place with Dibidoe, clear in 48.14. Oisin Aylward was 0.5 seconds behind with Coppenagh Tom Sparrow (48.19) for third. Sean Monaghan beat the time with Adja when clocking 36.30, but it came at a price as he had one on the floor and as a result took fourth.

Michael Pender also faulted with both his mounts, but four faults in 37.97 with Dalestown Cavalier saw him take fifth and sixth with Entourage when he had two poles on the ground in 34.24.

On Sunday, action kicked off with the 148 1.20m speed class. Speed merchant against the clock, John Carr riding Barnaboy Bouncer led this victory lap.

Next up, the 138cm 1.10m proved equally as competitive. Claiming another win was Max Watchman with the very experienced Fountain Ranger. In the 128 1m Fintan Shortall-sponsored speed class, it was Katie Power aboard Sasha who took the honours.

As expected the Shortall International Transport under-10s 128cm 85cm Grand Prix proved very competitive. Taking the honours was Maeve Clarke and Lenamore Mini Metro when they posted a clear in 34.42. Second place stayed at Cavan as Camryn Clarke and PARC Crème Brûlée slotted into second place when clear in 37 seconds. Oliver Doherty accounted for third place when he kept all the poles in place with Emerald Lucky in 37.49.