CONNEMARAS filled the first five placings in the final of the Hoofprint Innovations pony producers event class at Wexford Equestrian on Wednesday and ended up claiming five of the top six placings in the league.

Macs Silver Cookee, who was ridden by Orla Cassidy for owner Anne Magee, and the Gloria Nolan-owned, ridden and bred Ardnehue Golden Magic went into the final on 20 points apiece as both had won twice during the series.

On Wednesday, Macs Silver Cookee, who had the better dressage and jumping scores, completed on 223.5 marks while Ardnehue Golden Magic, who had a one point higher conformation score, ended the day on 217.5. With points and a half on offer, the Co Meath representatives took the title by 35 points to 33.5.

Macs Silver Cookie is a six-year-old gelding by Silver Shadow out of the Glencarrig Finn mare, Lady Cookee. He was bred by Michael McNamara who will receive a breeder’s bonus from Horse Sport Ireland. Magee purchased the bay as a two-year-old from Stephen McCarthy in Thomastown and he was sent to the Hancock family to be produced. Because of Covid restrictions, the late Tiggy Hancock was unable to compete the pony in this league in 2021, being replaced by her sister Lucy.

Last year, Macs Silver Cookee, aka Tin Tin, did some showing and working hunters with Kirsty Greene and was novice working hunter champion at the Irish Pony Society’s summer championships at Castle Irvine, Necarne, where he went on to stand reserve in the supreme novice championship.

While the RDS Connemara performance championship qualifiers would look the likely target for Wednesday’s winner, he won’t be going down that route. “I’m over qualified as a rider,” revealed Cassidy who has competed at CSI4* level. “The plan is to go eventing which will suit Anne as she also has Karolita O, who she owns in partnership with Jane Hancock, eventing with Suzanne Hagan.”

Of course, Cassidy’s time isn’t her own these days as she and husband Brian Geraghty have two pony-mad children – Philippa (two), who is still on the lead rein, and Freddie (five) who has just joined the Ward Union Pony Club.