Williams ‘Dun The Business’ to secure RDS qualifying spot

THE second round of the RDS Pony Qualifiers held at Ard Chuain attracted riders from near and far in a bid to secure their place at the RDS National Championships in August.

In the 128cm division, Co Down’s Johan Fitzpatrick Burns and the seven-year-old coloured mare Chocolate II took the win going triple clear in 39.49 seconds. Just over the 40-second mark (40.02) was Cian McMunn with Lucy Boo to claim the runner-up spot.

Cameron Kelly and Kilcreene Snapdragon kept the poles up in 43.85 for third, ahead of Ruben Foley and Ashwey El Britainiko, who had one down in 35.56. Also carrying four faults in 50.75 was Zara Sharkey and Lisboy Magic taking fifth. Completing the top six line-up was Pippa Carroll and the NutCracker.

In the 138cm division, 36 combinations battled it out and of those, just three triple clears were delivered. Fastest was Paddy Reape who crossed the line aboard Ti Chip in 32.23. Annie Boland and Mayfly Black Penny (35.31) took second while David Farrell and Merry Legs (39.48) secured third place.

Zara-Jane Kelly and Future Memories posted four faults (38.38) for fourth, ahead of Juliette McIntosh and Navaho Beauty (4/38.38) in fifth. Charlotte McCracken and Drumcaughey Diamond took sixth (4/50.08)

Victory lap

Leading the victory lap in the 148cm decider was Coen Williams, fastest of only two triple clears aboard Dun The Business in 38.01. Only three combinations proceeded to the final round with two maintaining clean sheets.

Taking the runner-up spot was Bridin Doyle and Trendy Blue, clear in 39.31. Maisie Adams put in a very fast round with Corradino Du Bary, clocking 39.17, but had one on the floor for third place.

Beth Thompson was fastest of the four-faulters in the second round with Romabout in 43.24 for eventual fourth, ahead of Gary Dooley and Kingdom Connie in 43.52. Camryn Clarke and Rock Of Dawn took sixth (4/43.55).

There was a good turnout for the 148cm six/seven-year-olds with 51 combinations on the start list. Taking the win was Matthew Farrell, triple clear with the seven-year-old Maifiled Another Sunrise in 45.24. Slotting into second was Sadhbh Cuff with the seven-year-old Dunard Cavalexa (46.34). Taking third was Coen Williams and the Sheila Aylward-owned six-year-old Coppenagh Gatsby (46.77).

Ruben Foley was back in the ribbons, taking fourth with Pixie III (7yo), clear in 47.36, ahead of Aine Shorthall and the Jim Derwin-owned Bungi (6yo), (4/42.61). Daisy McNamera and MVS Carvelle were sixth (8/46.91).