THERE was a great turnout at JAG Equestrian for the TRI equestrian Interschools show last Saturday.

Both the TRI equestrian open teams and the EII novice teams’ event were claimed by Newbridge College, with jump-offs deciding both classes.

In the open team event Newbridge, represented by Ardenhue Red Robin and Isabelle Walsh, Gorm ridden by Lucy McCarthy, Freddie and Clare Nestor, and Gateau Mr Blue and Ellen O’ Neill saw off a determined challenge from rivals Wesley College and St Mary’s New Ross.

LG Arkall and Saoirse Hanley, Slanelough Supremacy and Maresa Vard, Enniskerry Pedro and Mia Murphy, and Ballinteskin Gaia ridden by Jack Murphy were the Wesley team, and the St Mary’s New Ross team included Junipierre ridden by Ava Donovan, Casin Advancer and Martha Power, Sooth Passin Sarco ridden by Ciara Sinnott and Temello ridden by Katie Costello.

Final league points were claimed by Coláiste Bhríde Carnew, Holy Child Killiney and Scoil Mhuire Clane.

Novice teams

Newbridge’s novice team Caherdavin Blackjack and Emili Smith, Knockma Girl and Ava Berg, Rico ridden by Sarah Gorry and La Vie Est Belle ridden by Caton Fought just pipped the two teams from Tullow into second and third. The Tullow red team of Hershey’s Kiss ridden by Cillian Tobin, Barney and Lauren Bailey, and Miss Izzy and Niamh Tobin claimed second spot ahead of the Tullow blue team of Max and Lauren Kehoe, Lady Liath and Orla Dalton, and Myshall Gerry ridden by Caoimhe Curran. Borris VS, Newbridge white and Kilkenny College were awarded the minor placings.

Open individual

The TRI open Individual event saw a total of four riders post clear rounds, the fastest of which was Johnny Sheppard riding Galtee Shadow for Coláiste Bhríde Carnew. Ellen O’Neill riding Gateau Mr Blue claimed second place ahead of Amy Bates representing St Mary’s Naas riding Major Profile, and Hannah O’Neill on Drummin Pretty Lady for Carnew. The TRI Premier 110 class followed and Sheppard, partnering Galtee Shadow once more, had to settle for second place behind Jack Murphy from Wesley College. Murphy rode his team horse Ballinteskin Gaia. Larina Cruise ridden by Sophie Wilson for Carnew was third, with remaining qualifying slots going to Hogan the Brave and Abigail Kenny for King’s Hospital, Devon Rocks and Chloe Walsh for Carnew and Nova and Tamara Perry Scoil Ruáin, Killenaule.

Qualifier

The Equieire 90cm qualifier class is always well supported and Sarah Boyce Donoghue, riding Four Mile Boy for Ard Scoil Rathangan, claimed first place ahead of Charlotte Butler and Billy Two Shoes from St Mary’s Naas, Ella Kidd on Coppenagh Otto from Borris, Brooke Kenny riding Ravensdale Rossi from King’s Hospital, Finn Breen on Glencroft Barney from Blessington and Dearbhla Sheehan riding Montezuma for Borris VS.

The final league event on offer was the 75cm Primary Schools class. Ruby Cousins riding Bluebell from Kilmore NS posted her third win in this event ahead of Muireann Tooher riding Tallyho Mayday from Scoil Mhuire, Lourdes, Tullow and Lucy Headon on Arraghmore Tritactic from the Heath NS. Final league points went to Derval Wall Pippa Gaffney and Anna Curry.

There were three fun classes also on offer and the primary teams class was won by Scoil Aodán Naofa Gold, the novice 80s by Amy Boland and the 55cm class by Mia White.

The action moves this weekend to Broadmeadow Equestrian Centre where Brian Duff and his team are the hosts.