BACK-to-back wins earned Kinsale’s Alice Copithorne the Advanced CT League title at Maryville Stables in Co Cork last Sunday as the Eventing Ireland Munster Region Spring Combined Training League drew to a close.

Firmly established in the Munster eventing calendar, the league was once again generously sponsored by O’Brien’s Saddlery.

Calendar congestion and a concerning reduction in the number of professional riders supporting the league led to a 30% drop in entries but the work of organiser and newly elected EI Munster Region chairman, Ana Maria Hughes, and her team in running an efficient series was appreciated by those that took part.

Award recognition

Away from the competitive action, the league presentations gave Hughes the opportunity to present Philip Copithorne with the ‘Free Spirit’ Award in recognition of his and the Copithorne family’s lifetime dedication to and support of eventing in the Munster Region and beyond. Traditionally awarded during the Munster Eventing Ball, the Mona-Croome Carroll sculpted trophy bears a long list of noteable volunteers and supporters including Don Hannigan, Mary Steadford, Bríd Duggan, and Mary Flannery.

Gavin Smiddy’s two wins at 1.15m level secured victory in the CT115 league with his eight-year-old OBOS Quality 004 gelding DSH Showtime while 2022 European Young Rider squad member Sadhbh Bolger (Cooley Cappuccino) took the runner-up spot.

Young rider Molly O’Neill dominated the CT110 league. Her second place finish in the final leg with Muckridge Quick Step combined with victories at the opening two qualifiers secured the league title while Gearóid Bolger’s final day win with Into Mischief earned him third place in the league standings.

Consistent placings were rewarded by a runner-up league spot for Amelia Scott with Gelato.

Win for Verkade

Heading into her third year competing under Eventing Ireland rules, Niamh Verkade (Penny Lane WE) overcame an unfortunate four penalties in the SJ on the final day to take the honours in the CT100 league. Jennifer Holland (Ballingowan Melody) and Ali Fitzpatrick (Houndswood Moonbay) occupied the runner-up positions while Tara O’Donoghue’s consecutive victories in the CT90 class saw her take home the league prize with the traditionally bred Grange Bobby Sparrow gelding, Coco Rebel.

In the placings on all three outings, Sinéad Vallely secured her first CT80 league win with Tinkas Lad while Melanie Purcell’s trip from Co. Tipperary proved worthwhile when she took the runner-up league placings with FHS Stormzy and FHS High Waltzer.

With the Combined Training league complete for another year, attention in the Munster Region now turns to some further training activities before Crecora hosts the first Munster Region fixture on April 16th.