Katy Saunders

AN increased number of four-year-olds made their debut appearance at Lusk EC last weekend for the third Bluegrass Garden Eventing qualifier took place.

The day began with the ponies over a track of between 70cms and 80cms.

This class produced two combinations who completed on a zero score, the fastest of which was Tabytha Bonar on Apache Dove 29.82, ahead of Phoebe Beaumont and Rocha 30.13.

Charlie Hanna and Hazy claimed third prize having picked up 40 penalties across the country. Their time of 29.87 relegated Shannon Carruthers to fourth as she too finished with 40 penalties in a time of 32.05.

The following amateur class was also set at 70–80cms and here the win went to Jenna Crawford on Patchmills Kitkat, the only pair to finish on a zero score.

Fiona Magowan and Storm took the runner-up place, having picked up two time penalties in the timed section of the arena, but jumped both phases clear. Neil Knox and Oscar Rua finished in third on a total of five penalties.

The novice horse class saw the top four placings going to combinations making their debut appearance at the Bluegrass Garden Eventing.

Co Down native James Hammond produced two of the five zero scores in the competition to take home first and second prizes with Miss Millbridge (32.14) and Roza (34.69) respectively.

Third place went to Tori Voller on Juniper their time of 34.78, ahead of Suzanne Hagan on board Micky McCann’s four-year-old Seapatrick Cheque (by Cardento) who completed in a time of 35.30. In fifth place was Eileen McDade on Cindy Cunningham’s Barnfield Indian Sky (38.56).

The courses were raised to 90–95cms for the final two classes, the first of which was the open pony competition. This was won by Alex Cleland and Dove, this pair repeating their success from the previous qualifier making them a firm favourite for the final.

Second place went to Holly Smith and Gucci, this combination representing the Smith Bros eventing team and also maintaining good form from their previous outing at the Bluegrass Garden Eventing. Rachel Kerr and Hughie Boss finished in third place on their first outing.

The final class was the open horse class which attracted the largest entry of the day and saw eight combinations complete on zero score.

Victoria Clarke was treble-handed going into the class and got all three into the line-up. Red Curaco came out on top in a time of 26.20, narrowly beating Jonny Steele and Lily 27.81.

Trevor Smith and Babe finished in third 28.01, with Clarke taking fourth and sixth on Embarcadero and Flamenco.

Suzanne Hagan, having appointed her mother to babysitting duties for the day, slotted into fifth place on her own Goldie.

Chloe Hoyle from sponsor Bluegrass Horse Feeds was on hand for all the prize-giving ceremonies.

The final qualifier takes place on Sunday, April 3rd and two completed rounds are required to be eligible for a share of the £5,000 on offer at the final on April 17th.