ALTHOUGH it’s been a busy month for pony riders they showed no sign of tiring as they contested a range of finals at Millstreet last week.
In the 128cms/80cms under-eight class it was a win for Ruben Hall and Wishfields Missy when they clocked the winning round of 33.49 seconds. Second place belonged to India Heffron and Captain Nemo in 35.47 seconds, ahead of Páidí McKiernan and Galtee Dolly in 40.32.
Later in the day, it was Stephen Gibbons and Sligo Little Star that took the honours in the 128cms/80cms under-10 Grand Prix final when clear in 31.60 seconds.
Just over a second behind in the runners-up spot was Jenny Dunlop and Magneto Cobra in 32.67, ahead of Charlie Keane with Chantilly Pocket Rocket, who were clear in a time of 34.31.
It was a good outing for Kerry rider Jack Geaney, as he partnered Dooneens Electric to a win in the 128cms/1m Young Champion of Ireland Grand Prix Final, producing a clear round in 33.94.
RDS champion Tom Wachman took the runners-up spot with Murphy Spartacus, clear in 35.41. Not content with the win, Jack Geaney returned to take third place on Boom Box, with another clear in 36.62 seconds.
The 138cms /1.10m Young Champion of Ireland Grand Prix Final saw 24 combinations battle it out for the title. Following an impressive performance in the 128cms division, Dan Geaney recorded another victory when he and County Express went clear in 37.00 seconds.
Tom Wachman had to settle for another runner-up spot when he crossed the line in 37.36 with Fountain Ranger. Max Wachman and Dycott Masterman opted for the safer approach and a clear in 41.24 meant that they finished third.
148CMS DIVISION
Winner of the 148 1.10m Grand Prix Final was Cora Sharkey and Midnight Sky. The pair delivered the winning round in the 10-way jump-off when clear in 33.77.
Robyn Moran put in a gallant attempt with River Cassanova, but a slower time of 34.44 seconds saw her take second place ahead of Hannah Buckley and Avalon Little Luxury in 36.69.
The 148 1.20m Young Champion of Ireland Grand Prix Final saw 23 combinations go post and with the season coming to a close, it came as no surprise that 11 combinations proceeded to the jump-off.
Claiming the win with almost two seconds of an advantage were Jack Ryan and Six Mile Water Blaze, clear in 38.81 seconds. Another prolific winner, Robbie Clancy, slotted into second place when he partnered For Kids Only to a clear in 40.53, ahead of Lucy Shanahan and Cinderella Girl in 40.70.
The pony finals came to a great finale as riders battled it out in the 148 1.30m Grand Prix Final. No stranger to the winner’s enclosure in Millstreet, Ciaran Nallon claimed the win when he delivered the only double clear in the four-way jump-off, with Sligo Little James, in 43.53 seconds.
Kate Derwin and Vales Blue Melody delivered the fastest time of the day in 38.56, but four faults meant she had to settle for second place.
Aisling McGuinness and Lord Of The Rings also had an unlucky four faults in 41.99 for third and John Murray aboard Mathius took fourth place when crossing the line carrying four faults in 39.74.