THE 22nd annual Munster Amateur Indoor Show at Clare Showgrounds proved popular with the amateur contingent last weekend, with over 100 entries competing between six competitions.
The Welcome Stakes kicked off the show with course designer Peter O’Brien setting an inviting course. In total, 33 combinations went to post in the jointly sponsored NutriScience and McGrath class.
In the A section, Pamela Jackman and Sir Lance took the win, clear in 43.85. Second place belonged to Michelle Fennell’s Comeraghs Marshall, clear in 43.95, while in third was Loretta Enright’s Lantender Recession, who also delivered a clear in 46.05.
Leading the victory lap in the AA section was Barbara Fahy and Earlspark Dior, clear in 41.93, while the runner-up spot was filled by Maire Cosgrove and Briarhill Cruis Rua, clear in 44.91 ahead of Marita Byrne’s Don Brook, clear in 45.06.
The TopSpec/VetSpec One Round Speed saw a win for Noelle Cobbe and ONC Eleanor clear in 50.06. Little separated the next placing as Maeve Duffy with Real Cool Cruise followed closely behind in 50.30, ahead of Pamela Jackman and Sir Lance, who clocked 51.26.
A total of 18 combinations took on the Packhorse.ie Indoor Derby, with a mix of cross-country and show jumping obstacles, supplied by the Clare Pony Club.
Following an exciting first round, three combinations booked their place against the clock. Edwina O’Connor (Ashwood Reggie) was the only A rider, while Maire Cosgrove was double-handed with her own Briarhill Cruis Rua and Martin Flesk’s Killuppaun Magic. Claiming victory was Cosgrove when she delivered the only double clear aboard Killuppaun Magic in 55.11.
O’Connor separated Cosgrove’s placings when she clocked up four faults with Ashwood Reggi, in 52.01. Cosgrove slotted into third with Briarhill Cruis Rua.
Tonery triumphs
On Sunday morning competitors lined out for the Celtic Equine Power and Speed. Claiming victory were Aisling Tonery and Ti Amo Darcy when they clocked of 33.87. Katie Frazer and Keylogues Gold slotted into second when they clocked 35.22, ahead of Orla Dixon and Prada Royale in 35.75.
Grand Prix
Next up, the Grand Prix, which was sponsored by Philip O’Reilly Property plus Marie Vallet, Shane Carey, Sid Flynn, Bluegrass, Crafts by Ger and Mackeys Agrihealth, went down to the wire. In total 20 combinations went to post with eight booking their place against the clock.
Edward Enright delivered a double clear with Quickstep Commander in a time of 42.2 to claim the Grand Prix win and in doing so also won the McDonogh League on 37 points. Orla Dixon and Prada Royale slotted into second, clear in 42.40, ahead of Katie Frazer and Keylogues Gold in 43.47.
The Horse First Leading Rider was decided between classes one to five, and the scores were very close at the top, with the Grand Prix results once again proving significant. Edwina O’Connor took the win in the A section while Noelle Cobbe won the AA section. The final class was the 90cm - well done to Rachel Lyons, Serena Finnerty and Margo Battow.