WEXFORD riding officer Lt Michaeli Byrne claimed victory in the TRM/Showjumpers Club Spring Tour at Emerald Equestrian last Sunday. Riding HHS Clinstown, she delivered the winning round in 35.01 seconds. Owned by the Minister of Defence and bred by the late Ita Brennan, the 14-year-old gelding is by OBOS Quality 004 out of the Cavalier Royale-sired dam MHS Kilkenny Lady.

This combination is no stranger to this level of competition, having claimed the runner-up spot last year in the 1.35m North Star Speed Classic at the Irish Breeders’ Classic. They also clocked up a series of results on the European circuit, including two wins at three-star level in November.

Speaking after the win, Byrne told The Irish Field: “This was my first Spring Tour win and I was delighted with the result as it was a very competitive class. I have been riding HHS Clinstown for a year and a half, having taken over from Commdt Geoff Curran. I had my first international win with Clinstown in Oliva in 2023 and he has been super-consistent.

"He is a very quick and honest horse, so I knew that I could ask him to go for it and thankfully it paid off.

“I was eighth to go against the clock and I was chasing the target set by Jake Hunter. I didn’t get to see anyone else go, but I had made a plan and stuck to it and it proved to be enough.”

On future plans, Lt Byrne added: “The plan is to take in as many rounds as possible before heading to Europe at the end of the month. The Spring Tour is a great way to start the season, as it sets you up for going abroad. The league is very competitive and the venues and the course designing is top notch. The way the height increases towards the end of the league allows riders and horses to step up. I would like to thank the sponsors and organisers for running such a good league.”

Big turnout

There was a strong turnout for the round, with 47 going to post and, of those, 17 booked their place against the clock.

Jake Hunter took the runner-up spot, when he clocked 35.50 aboard Satelittenflieger K. Owned by Sandra Duffy/Ireland Horse Sport and Leisure Ltd, the 10-year-old gelding is by Stolzenberg and out of Egina. This is the second runner-up finish for the pair, who filled the same slot at the round in Broadmeadows.

Hunter took another share of the prize fund, when he claimed third place with Duffy’s Annaghmore Beach Cruise, a 14-year-old gelding by Beachball and out of Annaghmore Sonieke. They came home with nothing to add in 35.61.

Accounting for fourth place was Co Down rider Sean Foley, when he delivered a foot-perfect round aboard the Dermott Lennon-owned Fanta M in a time of 37.21. The 15-year-old gelding is by Cicero Z Van Paemel out of Saigon.

Winner of the round in Cavan, Kilkenny young rider Emily Moloney put more points on the board, as she guided Cruising On The Ridge to a clear in 37.51 for fifth. Owned and bred by Ian Smyth, the 11-year-old mare is by Kannan out of the Ard VDL Douglas mare Capitol Cruis.

Less than a second behind and taking sixth place was Katie McEntee on Sharon Fitzpatrick’s Keatingstown Mister Cool, clear in 38.38.

Emily Moloney delivered the last double clear of the class aboard the eight-year-old Tick A Lu in a time of 44.01 seconds. Owned by Emily’s mother Miriam and bred by her uncle Richie, the gelding is well-related by Chaccata’s Girl and out of the Clinton-sired Tikal.

Winner of the earlier 1.25m including the Hibernian Sport Horse League One Round Speed class was Sean Dooley and Indie Girl when clear in 66.73. Taking the runner-up place was young rider Billy Sinnott and Ridge Douglas Lady, clear in 67.71, ahead of Ailsa Sexton and Sparky Lad, clear in 71.36.