Millstreet CSI2* 1.35m

A TOTAL of 43 combinations lined out at Millstreet Horse Show in a bid to take the prizes in the CSI2* 1.35m class last Saturday.

Out of those, just eight delivered double clears. Taking the win was England’s Nicole Kershaw and Clovalent when they crossed the line in the very fast time of 36.36 seconds. Owned by Keonan Stables and bred by Mary McCann, this eight-year-old mare is by Valent out of the Cruising-sired Cruising May Clover.

The runner-up place belonged to Ger O’Neill and Mr Castlefield when they clocked 37.84. Bred by Zemsky Hrebcinec, this eight-year-old gelding is by Heartbreak ZH out of Sofa.

This horse, formerly named Soloman, is new to the Irish circuit having started its campaign here in June and was previously campaigned by Britain’s Anna Power up to CSI3* level. Waterford’s Paul Beecher, also stayed within the 37-second mark with Svs Sensation, crossing the line in a time of 37.91 for third place.

Owned by Beecher’s wife Seryna Van Kuelen, and bred by Brian Hutchinson, the eight-year-old mare is by Emerald van’t Ruytershof out of Beauty van de Panneberg Hoeve.

Mayo rider Shane Goggins opted for the safer lines with Drumm-M and a clear in 38.84 saw them take fourth place. Owned by Niall Mullins, this 14-year-old stallion is by Baloubet Du Rouet out of Vanditza. Slotting into fifth place was Wesley Ryan and his own Tiger Balou, clear in 39.32. Bred by Christof Nicole Overhoff, this nine-year-old gelding by Balou Du Roret out of Caya Lou is also new to the Irish circuit, having made his first appearance at the Balmoral National Championships in July.

Completing the top six was Joyce Veld and Corraghoe Bounce who put in a calculated round, stopping the clock in 40.40. Owned by Miley Dunning, the 10-year- old gelding is by Luz Z out of the Corraghoe Tiger.

Hadley lands win

Leading the victory lap in the proceeding CSI2* 1.25m was Galway’s Sven Hadley. Riding Fabuleu Vd Watertoren; he was quickest of the four double clears in a time of 40.21. Owned by Carroll Produce, this 11-year-old gelding is by Master Blue out of Uchinga Hero. Hadley took over the ride in July this year and has been consistently placed in 1.20m and 1.30m level.

Little separated the next placing as Holly Anne Sweetnam and the 12-year-old One And Only Spartacus galloped home in 40.91. This gelding is by O.B.O.S. Quality 004 out of Penure Gem.

Young rider Chloe Hughes Kennedy and Zuidam also kept the poles in place in 41.87 for third place. Owned by Clare Hughes, the stallion is by Guidam out of Our Mexico.

Hadley took another share of the prize fund when he partnered Topspin to a clear in 44.38. Bred by Lena and Robert Litzen, the 15-year-old mare is by Etrusco out of Top Beauty.

Shane Goggins was back in the ribbons, this time taking fifth place with Boleybawn Cayman, when fastest of the four-faulters in 43.49.

Bred by Ronan Rothwell and owned by Jack Goaley, the 10-year-old is by Cassiee out of Boleybawn Riverto. The gelding was previously campaigned by Sean Glynn.

Mark Duffy proved out of luck when he had one on the floor with HSF Cardento Royale in 49.60 to finish sixth.

Owned by Owen Horan and bred by Patrick Harvey, the nine-year-old stallion is by Cardento out of Beechfort Beauty. Duffy recently took over the rider of this stallion from his owner and has been consistently placed at 1.30m level.