THE Horseware Event Riders Challenge Race at Dundalk on Wednesday night proved not only to be a very successful fundraiser but was also an occasion enjoyed by participants and supporters alike.

The race was staged as a joint venture between Eventing Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland with Alison Packman, Elaine Hatton, Sophie D’Alton and Alyssa O’Neill coming in for special mention as did Emma Meehan, sales and marketing manager at Dundalk Stadium.

The race soon turned into a procession as Toni Quail jumped off in front and made all on the Kevin O’Donnell-owned and trained Bobeska. The hard-pulling Big Bad Bob gelding was about eight lengths clear at one stage but, at the post, was just two and a half lengths in front of the Sarah Ennis-ridden favourite, The Game Changer, with the Clare Lambert-partnered Kerosin staying on well to finish third, just a further half-length back.

“Those were my instructions,” said 19-year-old Quail who works for racehorse trainer Brian Hamilton near to her home in Downpatrick.

“I went down to the O’Donnells’ home (outside Gowran) on St Patrick’s Day and rode the horse on their gallops. After riding in the race, I am more determined than ever to get my amateur rider’s licence but I won’t give up eventing and have my two horses entered at Tyrella on Saturday (today).”

Toni’s support group at Dundalk included her mother Donna, father Brian, aunts and cousins. Like all others in the race, she received a crystal momento of the night and, as winner, a special trophy. A rug was also presented for the winning horse but, as the owners kindly gave this to Toni, don’t be surprised if that is seen on Ringfort Rua (CNC2*) or Wellan Summertime (CNC1*) today.

The home-bred Bobeska was led up on Wednesday by the owner/trainer’s daughter Christine. She and Toni became good friends at the 2016 European junior championships in Italy when the Carlow rider had to travel on her feet as her horse was injured and Quail took her place.

The prize for the best turned-out horse among the 12 runners went to the Johnny Mulligan-ridden Tremendous who was led up by Katie Parker. Trainer Liam Lennon and his partner Joy Wilson were delighted to support the race.

The first male rider home, in fourth place, was Jim Newsam whose mount, the Keith Clarke-trained Poitin, was permitted to leave the parade-ring early with Jim getting on board down the walkway to the course.

In the lead-up to the race, the Newcastle, Co Down rider had posted a photo on his Facebook page of a Dundalk racecard from June 1969 with his father Tom’s name written in as rider of the David Prentice-owned Salar Escart. It was a very different Dundalk in those days.

William Mackie didn’t have the most pleasant time on the walkway with Bien Chase but got a good tune out of the Adrian McAllister-trained Bienamado gelding on the track, finishing fifth.

William isn’t riding at Tyrella today as he will be attending the East Antrim point-to-point at Loughanmore where, on Monday, he makes his pointing debut in the novice riders’ maiden on his grandfather Wilson Dennison’s Templepoint.