LAST Saturday, the final of the Young Riders 1.25-1.30m section took centre stage in Simmonscourt. Although riders faced a technical course, spectators didn’t have to wait long for a clear, as second combination in, Aine Shorthall and Killerisk Can Ya, booked their place against the clock and, after this, a further seven joined her in the jump-off.

First to go, Aine Shortall, knew that there were fast combinations to come, as she took to the course. A series of tight lines saw her come home clear in a time of 29.74 seconds, which would be enough to take the title.

Speaking after the win, Aine said: “I am delighted with the win, the horse answered all the questions. I was unlucky the day before with one down in the jump-off, so I went in not to make that mistake again. The pressure was on, as my cousins Frano and James (Derwin) had both won a class and I want to have one on the cards as well. I was first to go and, in hindsight, that was a good position as I set the bar and was not chasing anyone. I have been riding in the Dublin Horse Show from 128cm up and these wins never grow old. We qualified last year, but we were only building up the partnership. Dublin is very special and the win is the icing on the cake.”

Owned by Pamela Shortall and bred by Maura Counihan, the 12-year-old gelding is by Can Ya Makan out of the Mermus R-sired R Umonia 14.

There were anxious moments as Iseult Fleming followed a similar route with Cristallo Boy, but despite a gallant attempt, her clear of 30.04 would see her take the reserve title. Stephen Gibbons knew what he needed to do as he took on the challenge with Coolisheal Lance, but a clear in 30.61 saw him take third place.

Annie Gibson took a more cautious approach with Dasca Van Het Vijverbos and it paid off, as she delivered a clear in 31.70 for eventual fourth. Alice Moloney put in a gallant attempt with Castlefield Cass, but unfortunately faulted at the last fence and crossed the line in 29.90 for fifth place. Annie Boland and The Hurricane also gave it their all, but a pole down at the penultimate oxer in a time of 31.31 would only prove good enough for sixth place.