THERE was a strong turnout for the annual Kernan’s Amateur Show 2020, held by kind permission of the Kernan family at their Co Armagh venue.

This year’s show set up a fundraiser for the Air Ambulance NI unit which was well supported by generous donations. The final amount is still being tallied but will be announced on social media by Catherine Chambers, Ulster Amateur representative as soon as possible.

The first power and speed class, sponsored by Clarman Arhitects Jim Maneely and Catherine Chambers, set a fast pace for rest of the day with Paul Tarpey (AA) onboard She Lux Quality scooping up first place in 28.29 seconds. Niamh Mallon McFall (A) in second was hot on Paul’s heals with Bay of Biscay in a time of 28.91. Jacqui Bolan (AA) onboard her faithful Maverick Na Rí stopped the clock at 30.54 for third place.

Also, in the placings Val Ward (A) and Venture in fourth, Patrick Ward (A) and Ardnaglass Lizzy in fifth and Grace Sherian (A) and Superior Sprint in sixth.

Trophy joy

Two magnificent perpetual trophies were presented during the show. The EXITEX Ltd. Mini Grand Prix presented the Frank Kernan Memorial Perpetual Trophy to winner Brian Cassidy (AA) onboard Looks Easy, and the win certainly did in a time of 23.45. Caitriona Cody (AA) and Shanroe Socialite took second place in 25.16 followed closely by Peter Dragan (A) and Ballivor Man in 25.60 sec for third.

Val Ward (A) and Venture picked up another fourth place in 26.68 sec, while Daniel O’Shea (A) back on the circuit on his new mount Edendal took fifth in 27.26. Aisling Donoghue (AA) onboard Walmore Sport was close in 27.47 taking sixth place.

The Horseware Grand Prix ‘Maggie Murphy Memorial Perpetual Trophy’ was presented by granddaughter Orliath Hughes to popular winner Alexandra Bailey (AA) onboard her trusty Callie LVS Z in a time of 33.52. Cassandra McGee (A) and Bail Me Out stopped the clock at 36.71 earning second place, while Paul Tarpey (AA) onboard GRC Porche was hot on Cassandra’s heels in a time of 36.85.

Caitriona Cody (AA) on Shanroe Socialite came in at 37.72 sec for fourth place while Karen Lynch (A) on LCC Caseys Cruise crossed the beam in 38.22 earning fifth place. Young rider Megan Brennan (A) onboard Corraghoe Steel finished in sixth place on 43.68.

Course designers on duty were James Kernan (National), Linda Marion Fahey (Regional) and the judges were Conor McCabe (Deputy), Mary Mahon (Senior National).

All at Kernan Equestrian Centre wish to extend sincere thanks to the Amateur Committee of Margaret Fullerton, Eileen Duggan, Roisin Hughes, Lynn Kelly and Joe Hughes for all the hard work that went into making this a very successful event.

Kind sponsors were Clarman Architects Jim Maneely and Catherine Chambers, Exitex Ltd, Horseware, Horse First Supplements, John Floody Newgrange Stud, Kyra Griffin Photography and OMC Equestrian.