SHOW jumping at the 150th Balmoral Show began on the Wednesday of the show with the young horses first into the arena to contest their championships.

Kicking off the national schedule was the Blue Frog Five-Year-Old Championships. In total, 20 combinations took on the Raymond Jess-designed course and with combinations well up to the task, the top six in the line-up delivered double clears. It was the penultimate combination in, Kerry Taggart and Ivira, who clocked the winning time of 41.17 seconds.

Owned by Tullyelmer Farm Ltd, Ivira is a five-year-old mare by Zacharov out of Selvira. Bought by her owner Fergal Rice from Holland as a three-year-old, the mare has been produced by Taggart from the start of her career.

Last to go, Deane Rogan delivered a clear with the Declan McGarry-owned De L’Oiseliere in 43.04, for second. Jonathan Creswell and Ems Perno clocked 43.66 for third, ahead of Sean Monaghan and Pepsi Cola, clear in 46.23.

James Hogg partnered Drumiller Dynamic to a clear in 46.42 for eventual fifth while Natasha Carolan and Inpluss took sixth when they posted a time of 51.26.

In the Dengie six and seven-year-old championship, 20 combinations went to post and seven delivered clears. Of those proceeding to the jump-off, four were six-year-olds and three seven-year-olds. First to go, Olivia Roulston and Miss Valent (6yo) proved out of luck when a tight turn to fence six saw it fall to the floor. A fast time of 40.16, saw them finish as the fastest of the faulters for eventual third.

The first double clear was delivered by John McLaughlin and Lincourt Luidam (6yo). Returning with her second six-year-old, Avalent, Olivia Roulston faulted at the water tray and their time of 45.77, later saw this pair slot into fourth place.

First of the seven-year-olds to take it on was Intuitive, ridden by James Hogg. A series of good turns throughout and a good pace to the last saw them clock the winning time of 44.90 and demote McLaughlin (Lincourt Luidam) into second. Frank Curran and Ardragh Chekoff (7yo) fell victim to fence 8B and their time of 49.88 saw them take fifth. Last to go, Jonathan Smyth and Fyfin Charlie (7yo) recorded 12 faults in 50.23 for eventual sixth.

NATIONAL GRAND PRIX

The Orthoderm Clinic 1.35m National Grand Prix saw 20 combinations battle it out. From the original starters, seven delivered clears and proceeded to the jump-off.

First to go, John Mulligan and Cornetta 10 wasted no time. The pair got a good shot at the Dublin Horse Show vertical but four faults at the last oxer in a time of 42.10, would later see them account for eventual third.

Kelda Morgan’s hopes of a win were dashed as she faulted at the first with Orbiting in a time of 44.05, for eventual fifth.

Speed merchant against the clock, John Floody had his foot to the floor with Shalamar Cassino. A great turn from the double and then on to the blanks, matched with a great turn back to the Dublin Horse Show vertical saw him clocked the winning time of 39.37.

Bred by Frank O’Connor and now owned by Jim and Tony Magennis, Shalamar Cassino is a nine-year old gelding by Cassino and out of Ploverfield Lastnews. A half-sister to the Shalamar Cassino by Eurocommerce Pittsburg is also competing with Simon Scott up to 1.35 level.

Conor McEneaney and Moonlite Cavalier fell victim to the planks, clocking 43.71, for eventual fourth.

Last to go, Jonathan Smyth returned with Crystal Tom but four faults at the planks and the last in a time of 41.15 saw them slot into sixth.

AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

On Saturday, 27 amateur riders went to post in the Botanica International Amateur Championship. From those, 10 proceeded to the jump-off and three double clears were delivered.

Claiming the win was Naiam Mallon McFall riding Rose of Lennon, in a time of 44.63. Just fractions behind were Nicola Hall and Ladykiller in a time of 45.56. The last double clear came courtesy of Louise Slevin and Olympic Diamond Hot Shot, in 46.19, for third.

Fastest of the four-faulters in 39.23 and claiming fourth was Sheikh Samir Mirdad and Mirdads Maaa Shaaa Allah. Slotting into fifth was Sarah Kelly and Baby Charlton, four faults in 45.85. Rachelle Harding and Nonavic Temara completed the top-six line-up, with four faults in 55.56.

FAGAN RETAINS TITLE

Defending champion in the Millar McCall Wylie 128-85cms Under 10s Championship, Alanna Fagan took the title home to Mullingar. She galloped home with Little Bob in 37.81. Peter Morton and Tynnan Tuttle Pip maintained a clean sheet in 39.53 for second. Third belonged to Robyn McOwan, clear in 39.99 ahead of India Heffron and Ballykett Highlander, clear in 40.29.

Zara Jane Kelly and Bright Bling came home in 40.92 for fifth. Charlotte McCracken and Nely Done That were clear in 43.04 for sixth. Last of the double clears in 43.51 was Lily Tunney riding In It To Win It.