AMATEUR riders were out in force to contest the Showjumping Ireland-sponsored A Section Amateur Autumn Series Final at Cavan International Show last Saturday.
As expected, the competition was tough, with only three competitors delivering clears. Taking the win was Fiona Mullins and Blaencwn Jester, when they kept all the poles in place in a time of 29.66. It was a good show for this combination who went on to claim third in the 1.10m qualifier later in the day. Karen Lynch opted for a more careful approach with LCC Casey’s Cruise and delivered a clear in 31.47 for second. The last of the clears was delivered by Louise O’Hara and Doonaveeragh Claie in 33.17 for third.
Jean Gilligan and Calimero set a very fast time of 29.74, but a pole on the floor saw them slot into fourth. Fifth place belonged to Tara Patton and Calimero, when they crossed the line with four faults in a time of 32.92, ahead of Joe Clinton and Gorion Del Gato, who had four faults, in a slower time of 34.68.
Win for McDermott
In the AA Section Amateur Autumn Series Final, seasoned competitors Aileen McDermott and Amber Balou claimed victory when they lodged the winning clear in 28.67. MacDermott has clocked up a host of results of late, which includes a win in the final leg of the Horseware Amateur Super League. Riding Amber Balou, she qualified for Balmoral and the RDS both on her first attempt. They also won the Dingo’s Final, Cavan Grand Prix and the HSI Final in Cork.
Little stood between the next placing as Sarah Kinnear and Elf Queen delivered a clear in 29.24 for second. Former RDS winner, Paul Carroll and Shalamar Casino were last of the clears in 29.33 for third.
Catherine Dunphy and Eden almost beat the target time, when clocking 28.72, but four faults meant that she would have to be content with fourth on this occasion. Cora Horan and Coronado also delivered a fast time of 33.50, but they had one on the floor for eventual fifth. Completing the top-six line-up were Tara Brandon and Delight S, with four faults in 34.16.
Farnham Estate Cavan 1.10m Final
Amateur rider Catherine Dunphy was back in the ribbons when she took the win in the 1.10m final. Riding Eden, the Dublin rider was fastest of the eight double clears in a time of 36.33. The combination were well up to the challenge, having claimed third in the qualifier on Friday. There was little between the top three finishers in the final round on Sunday as they all came home within the 37-second barrier. Hot on her heels were Peter Smyth and Hollypark Lancelot, who clocked 36.43 for second.
Claiming third place were Lucas Brenmner and Bellsfield Captain, clear in 36.55. This was the second third-place finish for this combination, having taken third in the first qualifier on Wednesday.
Fourth place belonged to Allan Birch and High Spirit who clocked 38.33, ahead of Victoria Clarke and Luella in 39.81. Sixth place was filled by Owen McCamley and May De Reve, who clocked 40.98.
1.20m Final
Leading the victory lap in the 1.20m final was Kelda Morgan with Flyhigh Mable, when they went clear in 39.03. The combination got off to a good start on Wednesday, taking fourth in the first qualifier.
This was another very close class with Dan Geaney and Inspector Roscoe also keeping everything in place in 39.04 for second. This combination had shown good form on Thursday, when taking the win in the second qualifier.
Allan Birch was back in the line-up, claiming third with Cisco van het Rubenshoff when they delivered a clear in 39.26. Fourth place was filled by Louise Carroll and Kabran de Reve Z, clear in 40.96, ahead of Sven Hadley and Cloghera Day, clear in 45.91. Completing the top six line-up were Jonathan McDonnell and Castle Richmond Larc, who went clear in 47.98.