Combinations go clear to book their places at Balmoral Show

The weather conditions were good until mid afternoon and the arenas looked spectacular with their colourful fences and bright floral decorations.

There was good competition across the board where riders were trying to claim one of the seven qualifying places in each of the classes.

A strong team of almost 60 Amateur riders were up first and they did not disappoint the crowd of spectators who were there to support. As ever the going was fast and furious with 25 combinations making it through to the jump-off over a course built by Ray Buchanan.

The A’s came out on top with the win going to Keith Cullen from Strandhill, Co Sligo on his 21 year old gelding, Strattenstown Eliah. Following close behind was Karen Pearson on Quantum Classic with Paul Tarpey slotting into third place on Craobh Cassanova. 

The Five Year Old Class saw victory going to Brendan McSorley on Norman Watt’s Pippa’s Beach, a mare by Beach Ball, out of a Coever’s Diamond Boy dam who had a seven second margin on 2nd placed Kevin Gallagher on Declan McGarry’s Carrow Kavanann. 

In the six/seven year old class, there were just 10 of the 25 starters who made it through to the jump off where Conor McEneaney had his sights firmly set on Balmoral Park. He delivered a superb speed round on Zoe Harvey’s Mullabrack Royal Pride, a mare by Aldato out of a Limmerick dam, to claim the red rosette with over four seconds to spare on Philip Gaw and Ardnacashel Coovella.

The final qualifying class, the 1.35m, saw Dromara’s Charlene Clingan secure her Balmoral passport on her father’s Ardtana Flash Forward, an 8 year old bay mare by Luidam out of a Flagmount King mare. John McLoughlin and Lincourt Lux slotted into second place.

Meanwhile, Arena 2 was kept extremely busy with classes running from 80cms – 1.20m.

Iveagh Showjumpers and MEC would like to thank all judges and helpers who made this day a very successful one. Best wishes go to all those competitors who have gained Qualifying places at RUAS.

The current series of registered jumping continues at The Meadows – enquiries to Winnie on 07846 353 391.

Results

Amateur: Keith Cullen, Strattenstown Eliah; Karen Pearson, Quantum Classic; Paul Tarpey, Craobh Cassanova; Margaret Fullerton, Vinday; Eileen Duggan, Libero Flight; Grainne McGarry, Aramis Encore; Anthea Moffett, Pumba S

Also Double Clear: Melanie Moorhead, Irish Twang; Michaela McFarland, Loughanroe Lady; Una McSorley, Omard Annie Time; Joe Harris, Coppindell Concorde; John Rafferty, Lehmann

Five year old: Brendan McSorley, Pippa’s Beach; Kevin Gallagher, Carrow Kavanann; Gareth Clingan, Delle Lux; William Greene, Lady Thunder Van Het Rozenhof; Edward Little, Carnlea Star; Mary McShane, Beechmore Lady Lux; John Mulligan, Mohill Spring.

Six/seven year old: Conor McEneaney, Mullabrack Royal Pride; Philip Gaw, Ardnacashel Coovella; Megan McGrory, The Lammy Factor; Jonathan Smyth, Mulvin Lui; Sarah Burns, Charity; Mary McShane, MMS Camilla; Rachel McKimmon, Waltham Abbey.

1.35m: 1, Charlene Clingan, Ardtana Flash Forward; 2, John McLaughlin, Lincourt Lux; 3, Luke Campbell, Trebra Douglas; 4, Patricia Stewart-Greer, Rehab; 5, Angela Percy, Zowiezo; 6, Hannah Patterson, Douglas W; 7, April McCrea, Carmenflag.

80cms: 1= Catherine Thornton, Diamond Cruisecontrol, Ashlee Ervine, Rivero

90cms: 1= Nayyara Mirdad, Mirdad’s Allamdu Lillah; John Mulligan, Lough Seur Sarlady; Ellie McArdle, Danesfield Alex; Gary McCrossan, Gortfree Lakeside Lad; Sheik Samir Mirdad, Mirdad’s Hubbb Alrahmaaan.

1m: 1= Nayyara Mirdad, Mirdad’s Allamdu Lillah; Sheik Samir Mirdad, Mirdad’s Hubbb Alrahmaaan; Amber Walsh, Carden Jungle Cat; Patrick Boyle, Delton; Victoria Boville, Moihill Vision De La Mere; Louise Houston, Ballybrack Tom; Ellie Humphries, Alland Cristal; Catherine Thornton, Cornascriebe Oresta Diamond; Patrick Boyle, Vupardie; Ellen McCollum, Simply Henry; Ryan Hunter, Fivonia G; Catherine Thornton, HHS Kilkenny; Claire Gordon, Kings Joy; Sarah Kelly, Baby Charlton; Tara Dunne, Courtesan C; Gareth Clingan, Inishcruise; Catherine Thornton, Mermus Kandy.

1.10m: 1. Sarah Burns, Georgie’s Star; 2. Niall Byrne, Millburren Royal Cruise; 3. Mary McShane, Zentus T; 4. Angela Mckeown, Carrickview Diamond; 5. Gareth Saunderson, GTA Leonardo; 6. Angela Percy, Concorde.

Also Double Clear: Gavin Conlon, Mr Flash; Ryan hunter, Feerward Carlos; Kirsty Chambers, Wee Todd; Catherine Thornton, Mermus Kandy; Kirsty Chambers, May Ball

1.20m: 1. Stephen Brown, Calgot Cruise; 2. Angela Percy, Cupitella; 3. Barry McCormack, Ludovick; 4. David Taylor, Cruising For Pleasure; 5. Jonathan Smyth, Admiran Nutmeg; 6. Philip Gaw, Rocky Bond.