CAPTAIN Davy Russell and his son Finn spearheaded the Leopardstown team to victory in a nail-biting jump-off to win the HRI Thoroughbred Classic Cup at the Treo Eile Christmas Show at Emerald Equestrian on Thursday evening.

Joined by Olympian Austin O’Connor and Rachael O’Callaghan, the team dominated the leaderboard, gaining them a tactical advantage jumping last in the second round against the clock.While many teams posted fast times, none managed faultless rounds allowing the father-son pair to clinch victory with a clear round. Russell’s mount was Our Father who ran 17 times in his career when trained by Gordon Elliot and formerly by David Pipe. Finn Russell and his pony Coppenagh With No Fear jumped two speedy clear rounds.

Finn Russell, son of former jockey Davy, on Coppenagh With No Fear, competing in the Equip Pony Christmas Cracker \ INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Oscar Encore, who only ran twice on the point-to-point track, proved the perfect partner for four-time Olympian O’Connor who jumped a beautiful clear round. The fourth pairing on the team was Tally Ho’s Rachael O’Callaghan and previous Aintree Grand National runner Michael’s Pick.

The 12 teams were captained by a jockey including Irish champion jockeys Paul Townend and Colin Keane. British Champion jockey Oisin Murphy, fresh off his Group 1 victory aboard Giavellotto, flew in from Hong Kong with the hopes of securing yet another win with former racing partner Loaded.

Getting back in the saddle on the night were Robbie Power, Davy Russell, Nina Carberry, Joseph O’Brien and Kevin Manning. In addition to being in the presence of racing legends, spectators were treated to Olympic stardom with Sam Watson, Sarah Ennis and Caroline Powell also competing on the night.

These legends were all partnered with retrained racehorses and jumped alongside future stars on their ponies.

Badminton winner Caroline Powell on Briar Hill competing in the HRI Treo Eile Thoroughbred Classic \ INPHO/Morgan Treacy

For the fourth consecutive year, the event showcased how racehorses of varying abilities on the track can seamlessly transition to other disciplines. This was highlighted in the Moyglare Stud Parade of Champions which included ITM Racehorse to Riding Horse Champion Mickah Wallace and Tiffany’s Gold, winner of the Tattersalls Ireland Showing Pathway Final. They were joined by racecourse champions Al Boum Photo, A Plus Tard, General Principle and Tiger Roll.

Supporting the evening were some major industry leaders including Godolphin, the Aga Khan, Coolmore and the IEBF and Foal Levy Fund. Horse Racing Ireland were title sponsors while Weatherbys Ireland GSB Ltd, Connolly’s RED MILLS and Equuip all sponsored individual classes earlier in the day.

Director of Welfare at Horse Racing Ireland, John Osborne, commented: “This event brings all equestrian industries together and shows how versatile the thoroughbred is in terms of adjusting to a different lifestyle after racing and it’s wonderful to see these horses still going strong 10 years later.

“Everyone commented on the high standards on show, with so many double-clears and such an exciting finale, where the last fence for the last rider was going to decide the outcome. This is partly due to the clinics, instruction and support that Anne O’Connor and the Treo Eile team has provided to this growing area. “

Harry McCalmont, Director of Treo Eile, commented: “Once again we are so proud to see the ex-racehorses in all their glory. This night is the perfect showcase of their talents, their versatility and their trainability. It’s wonderful to see the standard of thoroughbreds improving year on year, which reflects the efforts of the Treo Eile supported initiatives. A huge thank you must go out to our wonderful show committee, all of our volunteers, riders, those who provide horses and to all our amazing sponsors.”