AS the weather played havoc with fixtures over recent weekends, the Equijump Ltd Pony Spring Tour 2020 was delayed by a week, with the first round taking place at Banner Equestrian in Ennis last Saturday. A popular league on the national calendar, competitors were out in force and to support new sponsors, Equijump.

In the 128cm 1m division, last year’s winner Senan Reape got his season off to a good start as he secured the opening win. Riding Mickybo, he galloped home with a clean sheet in 29.83 seconds. Also demonstrating similar form exhibited in her 2019 season was Alanna Fagan who delivered a clear with Kiltormer Ruby in 31.91 for the runner-up place. Taking third place was Ruben Foley who crossed the line with nothing to add with the Silver Legend in 32.79. A clear round from Harry Rush and Tower View Lady in 33.31 saw them take fourth. Senan Reape put in another clear round with Brookshill Orla in 34.55 for fifth ahead of Galway’s David Egan who recorded one-time fault with Dromore Hill Boy when clocking 37.05.

Win for Conlon Gateau

In the 138cm 1.10m, Jack Conlon Gateau and Sienna Dusky Sky lodged the fastest of six double clears in 28.96 to take the win. Coen Williams put in a careful round with Seale’s Exchequer in 32.92 for second, ahead of Paddy Reape and Ti Chip third in 35.20. Sadhbh Slattery and D Drim’ De Brixia took fourth when they clocked 37.39, ahead of Anna White and Future Memories, clear in 37.52. Claiming sixth place was Lauren Murphy and Shersheen Second Fiddle after they came home in 43 flat.

Win for Martha Hughes Bravo

In the 148cm 1.20m section, the top six finishers delivered double clears. Taking the victory was Marta Hughes Bravo and Carrickaduff Pet, clear in 40.76. The Kilkenny rider was chased home by Jack Brennan and Alonso who clocked 41.37. There was nothing between the next result as Niamh McEvoy and iFlex went through the timers in 42.67 for third. Taking fourth place was Niall Doherty and Henrietta who stopped the clock in 43.70. There was more success for the Reape family as Paddy secured fifth place with Massaqua T, in 46.85. In sixth place was Sarah Fitzgerald and Knockroe Clover More, in 47.03.

The 148cm 1.30m proved to be an exciting class with seven competitors through to the jump-off. With the pressure on, four delivered clears. Taking the win was Rhys Williams and Happy Girl when coming home in 40.62. In second place was Max Foley and Valma De Fougnard in 42.44, ahead of Jack Geaney and Slaney Capitalist Cruise in 43.77. Niamh McEvoy and Caliber was the last of the double clears in 50.53 for fourth. Conor McLaughlin and Kilpatrick Shadow were the fastest of the four-faulters in 44.77 for fifth, ahead of Jack Brennan and Alonsa on four faults in 45.68.

In the Children on Horses section, Alanna Fagan lodged the winning clear in 37.66 aboard Ballycarrick Lass. Two other double clears were delivered in the four-way jump-off and the next fastest came from Katie Nallon and Bally Fair Deal, who crossed the line in 40.13 for second. The final of the double clears was delivered by Kian Dore and Master Holiday in 48.01 for third place. Taking fourth place was Evie Welton and Captain Kook.

Rising talents

Winner of the 128cm 90cm Spring Tour warm-up class was Andrea Barry and Parc Kickin It, clear in 26.05, ahead of Fiona Boland and Mini Digger, clear in 26.14. Taking third was Ted Fagan and Miss Susie, clear in 26.44.

In the 138cm Spring Tour warm-up, Conrad Sweeney and Tara took the win as they crossed the line with a clean sheet in 22.04. Taking second was Charlie Keane and Trendy Little Captain, clear in 24.29, while in third was Gary Dooley and Derrycon Diamond, who clocked 26.13.

Winner of the 148cm 1.10m warm-up class was Evie Quirke as she partnered Cullion Kemira to a clear in 32.38. Taking the runner-up place was Saoirse Moore and Tirconaill Bluebell, clear in 34.43, ahead of Fionnghuala Benson and Flash Molly clear in 35.05.

Please note: Results from this report are based on provisional show results and will be verified by Showjumping Ireland later.