THE first leg of the Kavanaghs of Newbridge spring dressage league took place on St Patrick’s Day at Calliaghstown EC in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, where the host Calliaghstown Riding Club recorded 62 entries across seven different classes.

Competitors on the day were judged by Claire Fitzsimons (advanced intermediate, advanced primary and sportsmans classes) and Mairin Cassidy (advanced open, open, intermediate and primary classes). Calliaghstown RC also ran a clear round jumping course on the day, which 20 competitors took part in.

In the primary class Mary Leavy from Moyglare RC took first place with Bozzie on a score of 68.33%. Niamh Corbet and Knock On Jake from host club Calliaghstown took second place with 67.71%.

In the advanced primary class Ceara Banner and Soprano from Abbeylands took first place on 72.20%, while Chris Carter and The Biscuit Club from Tara Hill were second on 70.

The sportsmans class was open to riders graded intermediate and above and used the advanced primary dressage test. This class was won by Liz Keane from Calliaghstown on board Chinook. The pair scored 68.8% ahead of Bernice Gaffney and Winterdown Billie from Winterdown riding club on 66.2.

The intermediate class resulted in another win for host club Calliaghstown as Elspeth Ohle was delighted to win the class with her chestnut gelding Chester with 71.82%. Olwyn Alexander from Greenhills RC club took second place in this class with her grey mare Santero and 71.59.

Greenhills RC took first and second place in the advanced intermediate class. Lianne O’Shea and Bento Van De Noordheuvel took first place with 72.50% ahead of fellow club member Helen Alexander and Chatsworth Lux with 71.46.

In the open division, Eva Byrne earned another red rosette for Calliaghstown RC. She and Tirney Puissance won the class with 69.04%. Claire Maher and Miss Chief from Killcarrick RC placed second on 65.77.

Karyn Jamieson represented Killcarrick RC in the advanced open class and she earned 67.34% from the judges with her bay mare Empress Calisto. The second leg of the West Leinster league will take place on Sunday, April 3rd. This second leg will be hosted by Dunbyrne riding club at Dunbyrne Stud in Kilmeague, Co Kildare.