PINAKI Van Den Dael, ridden by Abbie Sweetnam, won the ISH Studbook Series seven-year-old final in Tattersalls last Sunday. Owned by Killavallig Farm Ltd, this Belgian-bred mare is by I Am Moerhoeve’s Starout of Inaki Van Den Dael by Eros Platiere.

Of the 21 starters, some 13 combinations produced a clear first round to progress to the second. Of these just five kept a clean sheet, with five incurring four faults and a further two collecting eight.

Sarah Connell and Gliding Light (Aganix Du Seigneur x Harlequin Du Carel) produced the first double clear round in a time of 38.70 for eventual fourth place.

Connell’s round was quickly bettered by the third rider in, Cora Sharkey riding AHG Whiterock Duggie (Ard VDL Douglas x Raheenwood Ginger). They crossed the finish line in 35.56 for second place.

The next clear round came from Shane Goggins riding Niall Mullins’ stallion French Connection (Diamant De Semilly x Indoctro) in 38.89 for fifth place.

Two horses later it was the turn of Sweetnam. The young rider guided her mare to a second fault-free round in a fast time of 35.14 for the win.

Jason Higgins riding Heritage MBF (Eldorado Van De Zeshoek x Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve) had the time with a very quick round in 33.17 but one fence on the ground denied them victory and slotted them into sixth place.

Last to go, Emily Turkington and Tricolor LLC and Twin Oaks Ventures LLC’s Tricolor MB (Numero Uno x Rocadero) left all the fences up but missed out on the time stopping the clock at 38.49 for third place.

Champion honours

Tattersalls was the final round of the seven-round series. The overall Champion in the seven-year-old division on a total of 36 points was Inlaws Manolo (Corland x Lord Z), ridden by Derek McConnell.

The duo took part in all seven rounds and claimed first place in both Barnadown and Maryville, were runners-up in Mullingar and third in the first round at The Meadows Equestrian Centre.