IT was to Banner Equestrian Centre in Co Clare that the Irish pony show jumping circuit headed for the third leg of the Ballinroe Horse Transport-sponsored Premier Series, the Boomerang.ie Starfinder and the Bob Sweeney Future Champions Series.

The weather gods were feeling in a good mood, and there were rugs and sashes to winners, as well as podium presentations, bottles of bubbles and hampers of goodies. It was a warm welcome from the Banner team.

The Children on Horses Handicap Premier got the ball rolling in ‘The Golden Ring’ and Isabelle Ó Conaola and Earl Greys Last Cruise followed up on their win in the RDS Qualifier in the Meadows, as well as the Premier in Cavan, when they took another win in the series. Philippa Halliwell and Cosima came second just fractions of a second behind, with Maeve Coffey and Creevaghstables Buttler Jones in third.

The 128 U10 Premier made the long drive from the North of Ireland worthwhile for dad Martin McEvoy, as Caitie McEvoy claimed the top two spots on the podium with Tynnan Tuttle Pip and Dutch Lady, taking first and second places respectively. Khloe McLaughlin and Goldie Locks II, who also had a long drive home, picked up third place.

Keane win

With three ponies into the 14-way jump-off, Lucia Keane made full use of her advantage when taking the win with Desirless D’Argan in the 128 1.05m Premier. With less than half a second covering the top three, Chloe Clarke and the 21 years young Kilcreene Apollo, looking fresh as ever, picked up second with Katelyn Horgan and Million Dollar Baby hot on their heels in third.

The 138 1.15m Premier must have given sponsors Susan and Patrick Keane of Ballinroe Horse Transport plenty of reason for good cheer, as their wonderful Knud van Orchid’s took his second win in the series with Charlie Flynn, while daughter Lucia followed on from her win in the 128 Premier when coming second in the 138 class with Alto de Fougnard. Meanwhile, local rider Jack Dore finished third with Seefin Breeze.

After multiple trips abroad, Lauren Adams and Slieve Bloom Bella Rose contested their first 148 1.30m Premier of the season and found happy hunting ground in Banner, when taking the win in a hotly contested jump-off that saw 18 combinations battling it out over James Tarrant’s galloping track. Ruben Foley and Wineport Q Junior picked up second, while Cian McMunn and Dulk Du Thym finished in third.

A tough track in the Boomerang.ie six/seven-year-old Starfinder saw just six combinations progressing to the jump-off and it was Jack Kent and It’s A Pleasure who took the win, with Charlie Flynn and JDF Montana in second and Alice Moloney and MHS Colorado in third.

The Bob Sweeney Future Champions Series serves as a stepping stone to the Premier level and most of these classes were held in the ‘Platinum Ring’. Dylan Cregan and Scott Two won the 128 U10 Future Champions before going on to do the double, when taking the win in the 128 95cm with Pineview Bobby Boy. Lily Ryall and The Jemmy Man won the 138 1.05m, while over in the ‘Golden Ring’, Ronan Gilvarry and the reliable Dexter Leam Prancer won the 148 1.15m equivalent.