AMATEUR riders were out in force last weekend as they travelled to Cavan Equestrian to contest the National Amateur Championships. Although there were only four classes over the course of the weekend, all classes were well subscribed and, as a result, jumping continued until late in the evening.

Last Saturday, the action kicked off with the Patricia Foley-sponsored Ballyglass Ginger Table C. In the AA section, victory went to Sara Gorman and Take A Gamble when they lodged the winning time of 48.98. Almost a second behind in 49.73, and accounting for second place, was Ian Moore riding Triple C. Aisling McGrath and Ti Amo Darcy were last of the double clears in 51.50. Derrick Burke and Tyreda Chip had an unlucky four faults, but a fast time of 53.36 saw them slot into fourth place, ahead of John Cullinan and Katzenjammer.

In the A section, it was Graeme Carisle and FLagmount Heir who led the victory lap, crossing the line almost three seconds faster than his closest rival in 47.20 seconds. A previous winner in Cavan, Aisling Donoghue demonstrated her talent when she partnered Walmore Sport to a clear in 50.13 for second. Norman Tierney delivered a clear with Enzo De Reve in 53.26 for third, ahead of, Sharon Ryan and Diamond Pierre in 54.10. Little separated the next placing as Andrew Rafferty and Rubis De Bisson came home in a time of 54.99 seconds.

Later in the day, the Schockemohle Sports-sponsored Cavan Indoor Derby took centre stage. Local course designer Alan Lynch set the track for the 102 starters that took to the course. As always, the course asked a few questions and this year with new fences added, riders were put to the test. In the main arena, riders jumped six fences before heading into the smaller arena. Lynch tested combinations with a series of obstacles which included a double of gates, water tray followed by blanks and towards the end, a rustic triple. At the end of the first round, 17 AA riders proceeded to the jump-off and 19 A riders booked their place against the clock.

In the AA section, first to go Aileen McDermott and Amber Deluxe set the time to beat when crossing the line clear in 28.18. Despite a strong start, the winning round was delivered two horses later when Darragh McMahon and Sunnyside Boy reduced the target to 25.93 to claim victory. Fourth last to go, Derrick Burke riding Tyreda Chip but a gallant attempt in a slower time of 28.41 meant that they had to be content with third. Catherine Chambers and Seapatrick Beachball’s safe clear in 33.79 ensured her fourth place, ahead of Aisling McGrath and Ti Amo Darcy who were fastest of the four-faulters in 26.63 seconds.

In the A section, it was Denise Hanrahan who took the honours. Fifth last to go in the jump-off and riding her own Comeragh Cruiser, she delivered the winning clear round in 27.63 seconds. Going midway in the jump-off, Martin Flesk didn’t hang about with Killuppaun Magic and a clear in 28.59 proved good enough for second place. Little separated the next placing as Keith Cullen was fractions off Flesk’s time aboard Rastellie 2 in 28.68 for third. Niall McGarry clear with Alvarez in 29.72 saw him take fourth place, ahead of Anthea Moffett riding Pumba S, clear in a time of 30.85.

Sunday’s classes opened with the CWD Two Phase Challenge. Placed fifth in the Derby, Aishling McGrath improved on her earlier performance when she took the win with Ti Amo Darcy in the AA Section. Taking the runner-up place was Liam Keogh riding Queen Ruby, ahead of Joanna Penfold and Playtime Cruise. Slotting into fourth place were Karen Pearson and Hanley News, while Catherine Drain and Alaska-M took fifth place.

In the A Section, Sharon Ryan and Diamond Pierre emerged victorious. Niall McGarry picked up another placing when he partnered Alvarez into second place. Jim Maneely and Madame Porsche At Cranny took third place, ahead of Tara Patton and Castleroche Prettly Women. Accounting for fifth place were Nicola Walsh and Corlands Clipper.

The last event of the show, the Cladem Equi Store-sponsored Kingsland Grand went down to the wire with 12 booking their place in the AA jump-off and 13 in the A section.

In the AA Section it was Johnnie Fitzpatrick who took the honours. Johnnie, who celebrated his 21st year in a row competing at the National Amateur Championships, delivered a memorable win. Riding Saunders Beach Ball Cruise, Fitzpatrick almost saw his win disappear when he was dislodged from the saddle but managing to remain in place until passing the beam, his time of 38.35 saw him claim the win.

Following in the success of her brother Conor Drain’s footsteps, Catherine Drain demonstrated her skill when she lodged a clear with Alaska-M in 39.91. Niall McGrath took third place with Riogrande clear in 46.84. Karen Pearson added to her results when she took fourth place with Hanley News, clear in 46.42. Fifth place belonged to Philip GL and White Senate Hill who were clear in 46.84.

It was a good weekend for Niall McGarry as he went on to take the honours in the A section. First to go in the jump-off with Alvarez, McGarry’s clear in 40.12 proved good enough to claim victory. A series of good results from the Sligo rider meant that he was crowned leading rider of the show and was awarded the prize of two nights B&B for two persons including dinner, kindly sponsored by Radisson Blu Farnham Estate in Cavan.

Claiming the runner-up spot were Andy Fearon and Ballrennett Lady, who also kept everything in place in a time of 40.47, ahead of Alan McCormick riding Millridge Porthos, clear in 45.29. In fourth place was Nigel Kenny riding Corrib House, clear in 46.80. Aisling Donoghue and Walmore Sport returned to the line-up and took fifth place, carrying four faults in a time of 39.31.

AMATEUR AWARDS

Last Saturday evening in Snaffles Bar, the winning Amateur league riders were presented with their awards.

Accepting the award for the leading amateur rider in the Irish Farmers Journal A league was Denise Jackman from Killaloe. She took the final round at White’s Cross Charity Show in early September with Cruising The Ring when they delivered a clear in 32.71. Winners of the Leddy League were Niall McGrath and Riogrande, while Lisa Doyle and Corlands Clipper were awarded the prize of leading rider in the Horseware Derby League when Doyle finished on 19 points, 13, points ahead of her closest rivals Joanna Penfold (Playtime Cruise) and Katie King (youngstars Cheetah).

Johnnie Fitzpatrick and Saunders Beach Ball Cruise were the winners of the Dingo championship final while Catherine Egan and Atlas took their prize as winners of the AA amateur Classic Final.

Gerard Curtin accepted the award as the top rider on the leaderboard in the AA Amateur Classic final. Curtain competed in this league with Cruise for Life.