Emer Bermingham

FOLLOWING a busy summer season, amateur riders were back in action as they battled it out in the National Amateur Championships at Cavan Equestrian Centre last weekend. A popular date on a calendar, the show once again attracted large entries with over 120 competitors contesting each of the four classes.

Action kicked off early on Saturday with the Patricia Foley-sponsored Ballyglass Ginger Table C Welcome Stakes. First to go, 34 AA riders were put to the test over the Stuart Clarke-designed course. A cleverly designed course, Clarke gave riders the option of taking very tight lines from the start. Those with a win in mind needed to take the inside line from one to two, then inside to the rustic related distance and inside to the water tray at five. Coming home, a tight line to the double matched with a good turn to the oxen at 10 was a necessary requirement.

Eight to go, Peter Brady set the bar high early as he delivered the first clear with Hollymount Cruisehill in 54.67 seconds. Brady’s lead was short-lived however, as next in Dean Cotton and Coolda Castaway crossed the line six seconds faster in 48.67 to take the lead.

Grainne McGarry and Aramis Encore put in a gallant attempt and lodged a clear in 54.25, which saw her finish just ahead of Brady in fourth. No stranger to the amateur arena, Paul Carroll aboard Castleroche didn’t hang about and although he took all the tight lines a clear in 51.49 proved only good enough for third. There was anxious moments for Cotton as Sara Gorman, riding Take A Gamble, took a similar route to the leader. Cheered on by spectators, Gorman’s gallop to the last fence also paid off as she crossed the line in 49.89 for the runner-up spot.

In the A section, Niall McGarry’s clear with Clarkes Lux Clever in 51.59 saw him take the honours. Going mid-way, Denise Hanrahan set the target to beat when she lodged a clear in 51.98 for second place. Emer Quinn, riding Silken Clover, tried hard to catch Hanrahan, but four faults at fence six meant an extra four seconds added to her time, finishing in 55.92 for third. Kathryn King suffered a similar fate with Colonel Gun but finished on a time of 56.15 for eventual fourth. Audrey Cullen’s four faults at fence four with Grayson saw her finish on a time of 56.25 for fifth.

DERBY

As always, the Cavan Indoor Derby proved popular with both riders and spectators alike. Sponsored by Schockemohle Sports Gmbh, the class offered €700 worth in prizes. The course put riders to the test over 14 obstacles which included water trays, planks, rustics and gates.

The first part of the course consisted of seven obstacles in the main arena and then moved into the second arena where riders were faced with a strong white vertical, followed by an oxer and then the tricky closed combination.

The class got off to a good start when fourth in, Aishling McGrath riding Ti Amo Darcy delivered the first clear. Following this, a further 12 combinations booked their place in the jump-off. In the A section, nine combinations proceeded to the timed round.

The first double clear came courtesy of Darragh McMahon on Sunnyside Boy. Keeping the use of the arena to a minimum, McMahon lodged the winning time of 27.64 seconds. Four combinations later, Maria Dagg delivered the next clear with V Adermie 57 in a time of 32.20 for eventual fourth. Megan Smith tried hard to take the lead, but despite keeping everything in place with Orman, a clear in 27.66 proved only good enough for second.

Last to go, Val Joy opted for a safer approach with Craobh Oir and it paid off as she came home with nothing to add in 28.19 for third. Aoife Maguire and Mane Attraction was fastest of the four falters in 28.19 for fifth.

In the AA section, leading the victory lap was Grainne McGarry. Third to go in the nine-way jump-off with Aramis Encore, McGarry lodged the winning time of 26.77 seconds. Janice Guinnane used her late draw to her advantage as she partnered Barracree Lux to a clear in 29.53 for second. Last to go, James Curran delivered a clear with Intis in 31.54 for third.

Catherine Chambers’ decision to take the longer routes with Elysium Imp paid off as she lodged a clear in 39.06 for fourth.

Victoria McKee proved that the time could be beaten as she clocked 26.76 with Carrigeen Mos but it came at a price as she faulted at the last and slotted into fifth.

On Sunday, the first class the Kingsland two-phase challenge was hotly contested. Darragh McMahon and Sunnyside Boy were back in the ribbons when taking the honours with a clear in 34.67.

Taking the runner-up spot was Audrey Cullen aboard Grayson, clear in 36.21. Deirdre Dolan and Nisqually De May slotted into third, clear in 38.41, ahead of Hannah Martin and Boleybawn Duchess, clear in 39.28. Fifth place belonged to Norman Tierney and Enzo De Reve clear in 39.76.

In the AA section, it was Sarah Kate O’Donovan and Valenthina who took the honours when clear in 33.58. Just fractions behind was Jacinta Walsh aboard Chicken Wall, clear in 33.68. Victoria McKee took another prize when she delivered a clear with Carrigeen Mos in 34.20 for third. Taking fourth place was Lisa Doyle and Corland’s Clipper, clear in 34.45, ahead of Catherine Drain and AlaskaM, clear in 34.54

The CWD Grand Prix not only offered prizes to the value of €3,000 but it was also a qualifier for the amateur autumn series which takes place in the Cavan International show.

As expected, this class was hard fought with only three riders in the A section delivering double clears. Taking the honours was Niall McGarry aboard Clarkes Lux Clever, when clear in 34.00.

Over three seconds behind, Hannah Martin delivered a clear with Boleybawn Duchess 37.13 for second place.

Laura Richardson delivered the final clear of the class with Rex in 40.89 for third. Keith Cullen and Strattenstown Eliah beat the time when crossing the line in 32.02 but carrying four faults meant that he slotted into fourth. Darragh McMahon and Sunnyside Boy suffered a similar fate but a slower time of 33.90 meant a fifth place finish.

In the AA section, leading the victory lap was Sara Gorman and Take A Gamble, clear in 33.85. Grainne McGarry’s clear with Aramis Encore in 35.09 saw her take second, ahead of Catherine Chambers and Elysium Imp clear in 36.06. Taking fourth place was Sarah McLean and Diamond Obelix, clear in 38.45 ahead of James Curran’s and Intis, clear in 39.18.

Taking the National Champion crown and the prize of the Equine Solarium, sponsored by Silver Shadown Solarium, was Grainne McGarry after her outstanding performance over the weekend.

After the jumping on Saturday, the amateurs had their awards night in Snaffle Bar. Taking the Leddy League title was Lorna Conroy and Lisbryan Ranger.

Winner of the Horseware Derby League was Aileen McDermott and Kilcor Amber while the Dingos Championship final was awarded to Hilda Keane. The Irish Farmers Journal prize was awarded to Marie Crosse.