THE recent Kildare North Leinster Area show at Tattersalls Ireland proved a bittersweet occasion for the neighbouring Greene family, who were having their penultimate outing, their last locally, with Woodroyd Go Go Girl.

Partnered by six-year-old C.J., the 10-year-old British-bred mare by Woodroyd Toy Boy won her show pony lead rein class to remain unbeaten at this grade this season. Cian and Woodroyd Go Go Girl then went on to land the mini show pony championship in front of the rider’s family, including dad Charles and granny Katie Greene.

A highlight of the day for C.J. was having his godmother, the New Zealand international event rider Amanda Goldsbury, there to support him as she was jumping for Cooley Farm in the young horse classes in the Main Arena.

“Emotions ran high for us as a family as Woodroyd Go Go girl has made more dreams than we could have ever imagined come true,” said C.J.’s mother Jamie Greene, who has led him to his many successes. “C.J. completed a championship double on the day as, on board Kathy Curley’s Pantycoad Mercutio, he won the Mountain and Moorland lead rein class and took the Mountain and Moorland mini championship. This was C.J.’s second show on the Geoghegan family’s beautiful pony and, led by Aine, his record reads two class wins and two championships.

“We are so proud of C.J., being one of the youngest IPS riders, having a season like this. Cian took the reins on Woodroyd Go Go Girl in the supreme and rode the mare beautifully to stand reserve. Out of the four children who rode in the supreme at Tattersalls, I couldn’t be more proud that two of them were mine.

“With Dublin not to be, as we have a family wedding on the day of the lead rein and first ridden classes, we have our sights set on the Prestige lead rein class at the summer championships in September, where the mare was champion last year. That will be the finale for us and Woodroyd Go Go Girl.”