LAST Saturday at the Curragh Racecourse, Katelyn Leddin, a member of the Co Limerick Branch, was announced winner of the Irish Pony Club training day held at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) in early September.

Katelyn, who was at the Curragh for the IPC exhibition race, was presented with a perpetual cup and a TRI Equestrian gift set by the organisation’s executive committee chairman, Michael Essame. The 14-year-old, who started pony racing this season and was third in the Ladies’ Dingle Derby on Heartbreak Hill, was judged as overall winner based on her riding of the Academy’s horses, her position and balance in the saddle and her work on the simulator.

On Saturday, Katelyn finished second in the exhibition race on the 20-year-old pony Prince Teddy, a bay gelding belonging to her mother Hazel, who she also competes under Showjumping Ireland rules.

The Dillon twins, Ellie and Katie, who are members of the Kildare Branch, enjoyed a very successful trip to one of their local racecourses. Ellie was first past the post on the Irish Sport Horse gelding OLS Inis Flaith, a bay son of Templebready Fear Bui, while Katie, who rode the gelding Believe In Miracles, was judged the most stylish rider on the day by flat apprentice Siobhan Rutledge.

“The IPC exhibition race day at the Curragh was a wonderful experience for our members, who will cherish the memories for many years,” commented Sharon Monahan, who was attending the fixture for the first time in her role as chief executive officer of the IPC.

“The day would not have been possible without the dedicated work by Evan Arkwright and his team at the track, Fiona and Katie from RACE, Aileen Sloane Lee of the IHRB, Ruth Masterson and Una Holohan from Kildare Hunt PC, Siobhan Rutledge and the very generous sponsorship of TRI Equestrian. Our chairman Michael Essame, and our previous chair, Barbara Micks, were very ably assisted by Fiona in the office.

“Of course, the day would not have been such a success without the very valued commitment from our members’ parents and volunteers. Sincere thanks to everyone.”