IT might have been a while since we saw it, but the sun did make an appearance at the Wicklow Summer Show in Barnadown on Sunday and it was greatly appreciated by all those who attended, with the sunny southeast living up to its name.

The Tattersalls Ireland Showing Pathway Series has proved hugely popular this season to date and, with it getting close to the end of the qualifiers, there is great hunger for the few remaining ‘golden tickets’ to the final in September.

The novice section was won by Órlaith Cullen-Wallace and her 12-year-old mare, Dawn Light Cave. The Court Cave filly ran 16 times when being trained by Órlaith’s uncle, Denis Cullen, before he suggested she took over the reins.

“I wouldn’t have been an overly confident rider at the time, which just goes to show how quiet she was,” said a jubilant Órlaith. “She has a heart of gold and is incredibly placid.”

The combination are members of the Rathfarnham Riding Club and picked up numerous wins at P1 and P2 at the end of last season and have also been regulars at Treo Eile clinics, so their hard work is certainly paying off.

Having taken fifth place at Raheendaw Show qualifier earlier in the year, Sarah O’Flaherty and Laureldean Chief successfully earned their qualification by taking the runner-up spot on the day. The 22-year-old gelding by Alflora, is showing no signs of slowing down, having finished second in a Racehorse to Riding Horse class in Bannow and Rathangan Show earlier in the week.

Pleasure

It was Katie Vickers and Benruben who added another win to their tally this season, by taking the top spot in the Open section. The gelding by Beneficial had previously taken the win at Cork Summer Show last month.

The 11-year-old ran until August of last year, with four wins over his career, but when Katie got a phone call from his then-owner, a family friend, she jumped at the chance to take him on.

“I had actually taken a break from riding before getting Ben, he’s been a pleasure from day one and has just kept on improving!”

Helen Mooney and Mandamus will make their debut at the Showing Pathway Series final this year, having finished second in the Open section. They picked up a placing in last year’s qualifiers, but have managed to earn their place in this year’s final by finishing second.

Mandamus is a 12-year-old son of Lawman and ran 33 times, four of which Helen was in the saddle for. This combination finished seventh in the Racehorse to Riding Horse class at the Dublin Horse Show in 2023.

The next qualifier takes place at Tattersalls Show (July 27th) with the final chance to qualify coming next month at Iverk Show (August 24th). Further details are available on the Treo Eile website – www.treoeile.com.