THE TRI Equestrian RC 90 team show jumping took centre stage in the international grass arena at Mullingar Equestrian where Benbulben Riding Club ran out the victors for the second time in succession at the AIRC Riding Clubs Festival last Sunday.

The quartet of Anne Lawrence (Pot O Honey), Emma O’Connor (Acrefield Enzo), Sarah Dunleavy (Lecarrow Silver Shadow) and Therese Anderson (Killian Boy) led the competition almost from the start after picked up just one time penalty over Michael Keaveney’s course.

The Sligo-based club had a significant advantage over the eventual runners-up from Headfort Riding Club in Meath. Beverly Hutchinson (Lost In Translation BH), Eric Brunton (Mr Blue Clover Diamond), Klaudia Szarzankiewicz (Candlefort Blaze), and Lauren Stafford (Silver Pocket Rocket) were 11 penalties adrift in second place. Kilrainy Riding Club completed top three of the 12 teams who competed with 17 penalties on the score board to take the yellow ribbons home to Kildare.

Club chairperson and team member, Therese Anderson, said: “We were thrilled to bits with our win. Our club won this competition in the past but it’s the first time for this team of riders to win. The show was a huge success and was most enjoyable.”

The West’s awake

Galway West Riding Club won their first team event at the AIRC Riding Clubs Festival with victory the TRI Equestrian RC 80 team show jumping competition last weekend.

In all, 17 teams lined out in the contest, however none of them managed to escape the challenges of Shane Brooks’ track after the winning team ended up with five penalties after both rounds were complete.

All four riders - Lucy Jackson (Branchfield Dandy), Mary Connolly (Oxview Max), Michelle Murray (Heros Silver) and Sarah Louise Keane (Errislannan Potter) – jumped clear in the first round but the team ended up on five after the second round but it was enough to take the red ribbons home.

Thomastown and District and Lakelands were level on eight penalties each after two rounds leaving the clock to decide the winners. Once the judges had done the calculations, Thomastown and District were awarded second place after they were just 2.28 off the target while Lakelands was left in third place, 7.43 seconds off the pace.

Over the moon

Club chair and team member, Sarah Louise Keane, said: “We were over the moon with the win. It’s so much fun to be part of a team, and hear the rest of the team cheering you on as you’re going round the course. It’s our first big win as a newish club, and our first time at the AIRC Riding Clubs Festival.”

Three teams lined out for the TRI Equestrian RC 70 Team Show Jumping last Sunday where Burren claimed the spoils.

The team of Avril Kilmartin (Cassy Free), Hazel Allen Frawley (Empress Gladys), Keya Kenneally (Barnamore) and Patricia DeDapper (Ballysallagh Sea Red) ended up on 20 penalties, 13 ahead of second-placed Stracomer on 33 where Eimear Dunne produced the only double clear round of the competition on Dunard Ruby.

Lakelands Riding Club completed the podium with a team total of 59 penalties to claim the yellow ribbons.