JUNIOR eventer Tom Nestor is the Gain/The Irish Field Star of the Month for August. Nestor won the individual European silver medal on board Cooley Diamond Dancer (ISH), after a fantastic weekend of eventing action at the FEI European Championships in Stzregom, Poland, on August 26th.

Nestor and his teammates (Matthew Love with DSL Allegra (ISH), Alex Connors with OLS King Aragon (ISH) and Oleana Cowan with RCA Royal Mist) also brought home team silver. Well done Tom!

Breeding correction

APOLOGIES to Aileen Dempsey, who is the rightful owner of Black Walter, who stands at her Moneyquid Stud, Killeigh, Co Offaly. In last week’s ‘Burghley Bloodlines’ feature, it was mentioned he was owned by Sinead Healion, which we acknowledge was incorrect. Indeed, Black Walter has been owned by Dempsey since he was three months old and she and her late father, Gerry Buckley, bred Annaghmore Lady Valier, the dam of Annaghmore Valoner, who was fourth with Harry Meade.

SJI issues rule reminder

SHOWJUMPING Ireland has asked that its members ensure they are fully aware of the rules, regulations and codes of conduct that are in place, highlighting that the body has a comprehensive safeguarding policy and procedure in place.

In an email sent to all members, it said: “In light of recent notifications to ShowJumpingIreland, we would like to remind all members, officials, show organisers that is extremely important that you read and be fully aware of the content of all Codes of Conduct”. When asked what prompted the email, an SJI representative said they could not go into any case details, but that members should note SJI was clamping down on the inappropriate use of social media and that any member, senior or junior, found in breach could face suspension or expulsion. All relevant policies can be found at www.sji.ie.

George Ledwith RIP

THE Midland Connemara Pony Breeders Group this week announced the sad passing of their current President George Ledwith. “We say farewell to a true gentleman, who passed away on the 20th of September 2024,” they posted. “His quiet and unassuming presence was treasured by all who knew him. His commitment and dedication to the Midlands Connemara Pony Breeders Group was greatly valued. He leaves a legacy of wonderful memories for his devoted wife Mary, of 70 years, his family, John, Noel and Denise and all his friends in the Connemara Pony world. May he rest in peace.”

Mr Ledwith, of Moydrum, Athlone, was laid to rest at Donegan Cemetery, following his funeral mass at the Corpus Christi Church, Mount Temple.

Team for Barcelona

THE Underwriting Exchange Irish show jumping team has been named for the upcoming Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona. Michael Blake has selected a quintet of Daniel Coyle, Denis Lynch, Mark McAuley, Cian O’Connor and Mikey Pender as the league table toppers bid to cement their status in the Spanish showpiece.

Gwen’s Walk at CoilÓg

COILÓG Equestrian is hosting a Miles for Myeloma, Gwen’s Walk charity event today, September 28th at 11.30am. The event is being hosted in support of Gwen Byrne, and all patients with multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis. All are invited to go along and enjoy a coffee morning with plenty of tasty treats and face painting, unregistered show jumping and other activities, all in aid of Multiple Myeloma Ireland. The event is aimed at helping raise awareness for this incurable cancer and raising funds to help find new treatments in the fight to find a cure. Entry is free, but attendees are asked to donate what they can on the day. Anyone who wishes to donate online can do so via idonate.ie/team/teamcoilog.

Controlled substances detected

HORSE Sport Ireland has published it’s table of cases of doping/controlled medication rule violations for the period of January 1st to September 20th, 2024. During this time, the Horse Sport Ireland Equine Anti-Doping Programme carried out 101 tests, with four positives including the previously reported case of Lt Michaeli Byrne whose ride, LMK Derry, tested positive for a sedative called 2-(1-hydroxyethyl) promazine sulfoxide at a Dublin Horse Show qualifier in May. At a qualifier in June, Caroline Ryan’s ride, Killerisk Conor, tested positive for Phenylbutazone (analgesic) and Oxyphenbutazone (anti-inflammatory).

At the Dublin Horse Show itself, John Mulligan’s ride, Rathdrum Spirit, tested positive for Phenylbutazone (analgesic) and Oxyphenbutazone (anti-inflammatory). His disqualification does not affect the results in the four-year-old young event horse class. Suzanne O’Brien’s third-placed ride in the Amateur Sportsman’s class, Munther’s Ranger, tested positive for the sedative Acepromazine. Her disqualification will upgrade those placed fourth and below in that class. All four riders were fined €1,000 and paid €500 in administrative costs.