SIMMONSCOURT seats were filled for the Children on Horses Team Championship last Saturday, with four teams looking to claim the 2023 title. Claiming the win was the Edward Doyle Jnr-managed Red Team which finished on a total of four penalties.

The team comprised Kacey-Lou Carberry (Brandonview First Edition), Ted Fagan (Bella M), Harry Rush (Beach Buggy), and Ciara Ryan (Chica of De Rocky Mounten Z). The quartet put in a super performance in the first round with all four combinations delivering clears.

After the first round, the Green Team, managed by Tommy Gibbons, also finished on zero penalties with clears being delivered by Jackson Brosnan (Bitcoin), Molly Gleeson (Chf Gem Leaf), Alanna Keeling (HHS Blue Moon). Brona Keane had an unlucky four faults with Quality Diamond.

The Blue Team, managed by Johnny O’Connell, also ended their first round on zero faults. Clears were delivered by Ruben Foley and Carrick, Zoe Mellett (Rock Hill Girl), Lily P. Slattery (Captain Candy Man), and Sam Widger (Grantstown Charmer.)

The Pink Team which was managed by Comdt Sharon Crean had the disadvantage of having just three team members and finished on a first-round score of 12 faults. Both Conrad Sweeney (Domino Van De Valhoeve) and Alexandria McMahon (Ahg Whiterock High Dam) both delivered clear rounds, while Adam Adair and Remake Lanke finished on 12 faults.

In the second round, clears did not come as easily and it was the first rider of the Pink Team of Adam Adair and Remake Lanke who delivered the first clear. Double clears were delivered by the Red Team members Ted Fagan (Bella M), Harry Rush (Beach Buggy) which was enough to take the title from the Green Team who finished on a score of eight penalties, followed by the Blue Team on nine penalties.

The Green Team saw a double clear delivered by Alanna Keeling, while Molly Gleeson provided the discard score after she finished on eight faults. Brona Keane had one on the ground in the second round as did Jackson Brosnan.

The Blue Team failed to deliver clears in the second round, with Ruben Foley providing the discard score of six penalties and Zoe Mellett and Lily P. Slattery both finishing with one down. Sam Widger was unlucky to incur a single time fault.

The Pink Team made a great comeback and finished with 16 faults. Conrad Sweeney and Domino Van De Valhoeve delivered the only double clear for the team, while Alexandria McMahon and Ahg Whiterock High Dam just had one down in the second round.

Ted Fagan triumphs

Following on from a great team Championships, the high standard of competitors in the individual Championship on Sunday came as no surprise. In total 15 combinations lined out in a bid to take the title, with seven booking their place in the jump-off.

Claiming the 2023 crown was Mullingar’s Ted Fagan (13) aboard Sarah Jane Fagan’s 10-year-old Luidam-sired Bella M. The mare, bred by Susanne Macken, was previously ridden by Ted’s sister Alanna. Ted took over the ride late last year and has recorded some impressive results, which include good placings in the Equijump Spring Tour and in the Premier Series.

First to go against the clock, Carlow’s Ruben Foley and Carrick delivered the first clear in a time of 36.10 to put it up to the rest. Foley made up the time in the turn to the oxer at the approach to the pocket and later in a final gallop to the last.

Next up, Ciara Ryan had a rattle at the second fence with Chica of De Rocky Mounten Z, but with all the poles remaining in place, her time of 40.87 saw her take fifth place.

Conrad Sweeney wasted no time with Domino Van De Valhoeve and despite a very gallant attempt, he failed to demote Foley from the lead as he crossed the line in 36.21 for eventual fourth place.

The lead changed hands as Kilkenny’s Brona Keane took every possible tight line with the trustworthy Quality Diamond. Cheered on by the crowd, they crossed the line clear in 35.65.

Next up, Ted Fagan set off in a blistering pace with Bella M and a series of extremely tight turns saw him shave over three seconds of the lead, coming home in 32.54. With Fagan taking the win, Keane took the reserve while Foley took third place.