Lorna Keogh

THE opening leg of the Linda Moore Autumn Show Jumping League was hosted by Dunbyrne Riding Club at Dunbyrne Stud in Kilmeague, Co Kildare last weekend, where riders competed over a track built by Gueorgui Gueorguiev and were judged by Janet McKenna.

The primary class had just one hors concours entry on the day, host club member Shane Duffy who competed with Pistachio.

The advanced primary class had 14 entries. This class was judged on optimum time and there were nine riders with clear rounds in contention for placing. First place went to Barbara Delaney who was clear and closest to the optimum time. She competed with Johnny for Winterdown RC. Second place went to Claire Hutchinson and Indian Lights from Killcarrick RC. In the sportsmans class, also judged on optimum time, Celbridge RC member Susanna Franke took first place with Kizzy, while Sandra Phipps and Millpower from Calliaghstown were second.

The entry in the intermediate class was the largest on the day with 21 horse and rider combinations taking part. Eleven of these were clear in their first round to progress to the jump-off. Fastest clear against the clock in 46.31 seconds was Olwyn Alexander, who took victory for Greenhills RC with her grey mare Santero. Ruth Masterson and Move Over Sweetie from Calliaghstown were second on a time of 51.4.

The advanced intermediate class was also decided by a jump-off. Of the 11 entries, just two riders were clear in their first round. John Harkin from Anderin RC and Megan Smith from Greenhills RC jumped off to decide the winner. Smith logged a great time of 49.46 seconds but an unlucky four faults pushed her down to second with Orman. John Harkin and Creevagh Diamond went clear all the way in 64.62 seconds to win the class. The open class was won by host club member Dolores Ruth who competed with Run DMC. A coffee shop was run on the day by Dunbyrne RC and all proceeds will be donated to the Irish Horse Welfare Trust. The league will continue on October 12th, when Greenhills RC will host the second leg at Coilog EC.