INISTIOGE Show proved very popular last Sunday with both horse and pony riders flocking to the Co Kilkenny venue for a strong array of classes on the schedule. In particular the Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour attracted a large following with over 100 entries split between the three divisions.

In the 1.35m, Michael Doyle set the course for the 40 declared riders, and from those, just two double clears were delivered. Taking the win was Jason Higgins and the Michael Condon-owned Creevyquinn Pearl who stopped the clock in 41.93 seconds. Bred by Stephen and Elisha Reilly, the seven year-old mare is by Cardento out of the Corland-sired Fragonda. This combination has been in the ribbons of late, claiming third place in the 1.35m Kilfarrasy Show the previous Wednesday. They have also been consistently placed in the ISH Studbook Series over the summer.

Waterford’s Francis Connors added to his impressive record as he took second place with Rossa Lough Derg when they delivered the only other double clear in 42.21. They got off to a good start in this league, taking the opening round and the second round at Wexford. Rossa Lough Derg, owned by Cathal McMunn and Carole Reape, was bred by Eamonn Hogan and is an eight-year-old mare by Luidam out of Cruising Lough Derg.

Jack Brennan delivered the fastest time with MHS High Hopes, clocking 40.80, but four faults saw them take third place. Abigail Boland had two down in the first round with The Hurricane in 71.60 for eventual fourth, ahead of Gerard Clarke and Lupins Lux Z (8/74.35). Declan Mc Evoy also crossed the line carrying eight faults with BLM Cosmopolitan Dandy in 80.81 for sixth place.

Win for O’Donnell

Local rider Grace O’Donnell emerged victorious in the 1.20m section with Jim O’Neill’s Castlefield Cass, clear in 27.64. The 11-year-old gelding is by Cassidee out of the Puissance-sired La Moette.

She also took third place with another of O’Neill’s horses Castlefield Miss, clear in 29.04. Separating O’Donnell’s placings was amateur rider Gerard Curtain (AA) when he partnered Walking In Paris to a clear in 29.03 for second. Gerard Clarke accounted for fourth place when he kept all the poles in place with Cyruso H, in 31.08, ahead of Keith Moloney and the Mikey Pender-owned Zhardas Kil, clear in 33.79.

Completing the top-six line-up were Nicholas Connors and Fornett D’Emeraude, clear in 34.77.

Victory for Moran

Leading the victory lap in the 1.10m was Robyn Moran and European Cruise who crossed the line clear in 29.69. This win now puts Moran on the top end of the leaderboard. Gerard Curtain was back in the ribbons taking the runner-up spot with Cruise For Life, clear in 31.60.

Fellow amateur rider Leonie Dunne (A) and Cavalino 26 went clear in 35 seconds which saw them slot into third place. A clear from Cian Byrne and Hunters Lodge Puissance in 38.01 secured fourth place, ahead of Ellen Murphy and Cidam K, in 38.93. Tholm Keane took sixth when he kept all the poles in place in 39.63 with the Norita Fives-owned Mermus R Russel.