HORSERAIL Ireland, manufacturers of safe, secure and durable fencing for horses, continue their sponsorship of the showjumping at Ballyrafter EC, Lismore. Their input resulted in spectacular show jumping at the Spring Finals last Thursday and Friday making these summer evening shows thoroughly enjoyable. A great turnout produced great competitive finals with worthy winners who had to battle hard for the fabulous prizes on offer from Horserail.

The 90cms horse final was a proper battle between John Fennell and Pat Ronayne. John set 43.80 with his brother Lar Fennell’s Killongford Chase but, last to go of the seven through to the jump-off, Pat Ronayne and Coolbell Diamond had a super round to claim victory in 40.30.

John Fennell’s niece Heather Ahearne and Bobalong got quick compensation for the family when winning another brilliant competition the 1.00m in 39.46. Young rider Emma O’Connor with Coolrua, who has just come back from broodmare duties, flew home in 42.49 for a worthy second.

Two Cork riders were to the fore in the 1.10m final. Andrew Daly with his consistent mare Royal Arch edged ahead of Tim O’Sullivan with his own Barryscourt Clover Prince.

Earlier in the evening, Michelle Quirke and Grace had a very welcome victory in the 80cms final when, again going last against the clock, she beat Gina O’Brien on Prince by the narrowest margin of half a second.

Brian Condon and his young horse Toby won the 70cms ahead of Edna Roche and Uisce, with just two seconds in the difference. Rachel Raher and her ultra consistent Clonea Silver Spirit won the leading rider award.

The Horserail pony finals on Friday evening escaped all the rain and a beautiful evening was matched by great jumping. From Croome in Co. Limerick, Sonny McCartan won the leading open rider award of €100 from Horserail and to cap a brilliant evening, he also won the 60cms and 70cms finals, taking home two Horserail rugs.

He won the 60cms from the front with Sam jumping an amazing clear in 35.38 and again going first in the jump-off of the 70cms, his time of 34.86 could not be matched. From Cork, Elise Tripp got closest with Joey in 38.47.

Cara Padden was the unluckiest rider in the 70cms but she was duly compensated when winning a great 80cms final on Charlie in 41.83. Elise Tripp was again runner-up with 42.61 with another great effort from Joey.

Alannah O’Shea and Bay Reflection had a clear win in the 90cms ahead of Rena Meagher and Autumn, who were just unlucky with a pole down.

Ellie McNamara on Patricia won the 40cms final ahead of the leading novice league rider Darragh O’Sullivan and Misty, who collected their valuable leaders award from Horserail. In the other division, cousins Fia Furney Kelly and Beth Furney Coveney shared the win. James Crowley going last in the 50cms final won well with Snowy Call ahead of Rachel Meaney and Jumping Jimmy with less than a second between them.

Horserail will again be the sponsors for the Summer League which starts this week so more great action to follow at Ballyrafter.