AS the CWD Pony Spring tour reached the midway point at Cavan last week, it came as no surprise that all divisions were hard fought.

It was another good week for entries, with 79 combinations lining out for the 128cms, 76 for the 138cms and 115 for the 148cms division.

128cms

Placed third the week prior, Matthew Conlon upped the ante as he took the win in the 128cms division. Riding the ever reliable The Silver Legend, he was almost a second in front of his closest rival when he clocked 34.76 seconds. This combination have proved consistent in this series having also taken fourth place in the opening round in Portmore. Another familiar face in the tour, Eoin Brennan partnered Ashsars Miami Bound to a clear in 35.99 to fill the runners-up spot. Winner of the round in Galway, Coen William was back in the ribbons, this time taking third place with Lakefield Stormy when clear in 36.09. Aine Shortall and Toorboy Tommy were last of the combinations to come home within the 40-second mark when she clocked 39.34 for eventual fourth. Timmy Brennan’s clear with Derryglougher Misty in 42.31 saw him take fifth place. Lauren Murphy put her first points on the board when she partnered Taggarts Express to a clear in 42.88 for sixth place.

138cms

Winner of the opening round in Portmore, Francis Derwin and Ruby Brown were back on the winners’ podium when they took the honours in the 138cms division, clear in 35.10 seconds. Almost two seconds behind were Leah Stack and Amber Leaf, who clocked 37 seconds. Sarah Fitzgerald added to her points tally when she slotted into third with a clear with Strandfield Ruby in 37.25, ahead of John McEntee and Hubba Bubba in 39.20. Tom Wachman didn’t hang about with Fountain Ranger and a clear in 39.44 saw him take fifth place, while Max Wachman completed the top six line-up when he delivered a clear with Scarlett’s Billy The Kid in 40.99 seconds.

148cms

Accounting for the runners-up spot in the 148cms section the week before, John Murray stepped it up a notch as he took the win with The Irish Builder, clear in 33.84 seconds. Molly Hughes Bravo was less than a second behind the finish line with Carrickaduff Pet in 34.78 for second. Seamus Hughes Kennedy accounted for the next two placings when he partnered Cuffesgrange Cavalidam to a clear in 35.35 for third. The Co Kilkenny rider was fractions behind with his second mount MHS Kilkenny All Star in 35.83 for eventual fourth. Ciaran Nallon opted for a more careful approach with Lislan Picola and their time of 39.62 proved good enough for fifth place. No stranger to this league, Jennifer Kuehnle and Corbeagh Starburst took sixth place when they clocked 41.13 seconds.

Children on Horses

In the Children on Horses Spring Tour, five combinations delivered double clears to take their points. Those maintaining clean sheets were Natasha Kerr (Chekane), Jack Geaney (Doon Alright), Brian Kuehnle (Deita de la Bouverie), Niamh McEvoy (Kilmainham Lady) and Seamus Hennessy (Ballynoe Carnival Girl).

The penultimate round of the tour takes place today (Saturday) at The Meadows.