THE IRISH invasion at the Welsh Home Pony International took place last weekend, with three team gold medals returning across the Irish Sea after a brilliant run of results.
The team qualification classes began on Wednesday where Ireland claimed the top three placings with Tom Wachman on Parc Epic taking the win ahead of Darragh Sharkey on Lisboy Black Magic, while Ellie Rose Cassidy finished third with Little Ceaser.
This Irish success continued in the 138cms open as Jason Foley took first and second on Bear Me In Mind and Buttons Two, ahead of Harry Allen and Scarletts Billy The Kid in third.
Charlotte Houston and Blessington Grange Mist took the honours in the 148cms, pushing Patrick Hickey and Shercock Rose into runner-up spot ahead of Robbie Clancy on I’m A Tom Boy in third. Thursday’s team qualification classes saw Tom Wachman score a double in the 128cms open class, while Jason Foley repeated his opening day performance when filling the top-two places in the 138cms open on Buttons Two and Kiltormer Hero.
IRISH CHALLENGE
Heading the Irish challenge in the 148cms was Carla McGarry and Chocolarto ahead of Jason Foley and Lyncott Fancy Pants. Friday saw the Irish 128cms team of Max Foley (Sparkel), Ellie Rose Cassidy (Little Ceaser), Darragh Sharkey (Lisboy Black Magic) and Tom Wachman (Parc Epic), win the first gold medal of the day, finishing on a zero score ahead of England in second and Scotland in third.
The 138cms Irish team then added a second gold, with Jason Foley (Kiltormer Hero), Max Wachman (Dycott Masterman), Leah Stack (Amber Leaf) and Harry Allen (Scarletts Billy The Kid) all jumping clear rounds, with England finishing second on four faults.
The 148cms competition saw Ireland forced into a jumpoff against England. Jason Foley (Lyncott Fancy Pants), Carla McGarry (Chocolarto), Patrick Hickey (New Forge Lady) and Charlotte Houston (Blessington Grange Mist) completed the two rounds on a zero score.
The jump off went right to the wire with Foley jumping clear, while McGarry, Hickey and Houston came home with four faults each. However the final English rider left two fences on the floor to leave a delighted Irish squad with their third gold medal of the day. Sunday’s action concluded with Foley claiming the first two slots in the HOYS qualifier on Bear Me In Mind and Kiltormer Hero.