Ridden Classes      (error re;   Supreme Ridden Champion now corrected.  mea culpa)

Riding Classes prizewinners line up for Championship

On Thursday there were four Ridden Connemara Classes including this year’s innovation, a ridden stallion class.  In the first class, confined to 4 and 5 yr. old ponies, the first three were all Galway bred.   Tessa Colliers Newtown Blossom (I Love you Melody – Break of Dawn by Abbeyleix Owen ) took the Red. In 2^nd place was Niamh Melody’s Furbo Rose (Glencarrig Prince – Atlantic Lady). The third placed pony was gelding Abbey Storm Fionn (Abbey Fort – Storm Bird) owned by Carol Belford.     

Cashel Joe, Emma O'Toole and Judges

Although bred in Ireland  Cashelbay Joe (Village King – Mountsin Ash) is a newcomer on the Irish showing scene.   

The 11yr old gelding was recently returned from England to Clifden breeder Henry O’Toole to be ridden by daughter Emma and the pair  were top of the line in the rider under 17 yrs class.    Seasoned campaigner Blackwood Fernando (Ferdia – Dancing Queen) stood in second place with Patrick Cafferty’s Emer’s Boy (Westside Fred – Hazlewood Rose) taking the third slot.

In the 15 strong Class for riders over 17 it was last year’s winner who was to the fore. Treanlawn Glen Charlie (Glenvalley Grey – Seeshin Lady) has many wins under his belt (or saddle!) for owner Orla Smith Kinnane. 

Treanlean Glen Charlie with Fiona Wentges heads final lineup in over 17 Class

 

 

 

 

 

 Another regular prizewinner Elizabeth Maher’s Mr.What a six year old gelding by Village King – Meadow Harp) was just pipped to the post in the final stage of the Class

Mr What was 2nd in the over 17 class

while Derrymore Paddy Finn (Cloonisle Cashel – Goodbye My Love)), no stranger to RDS ribbons – having been a  Dublin winner on three occasions – came third for owner Philippa Mansergh Wallace.

Derrymore Paddy Finn with Esme Mansergh Wallace

 

 

The stallion class was last to go and here two full brothers took the first two placings with younger brother

Ridden Champion Gleann Rua Native and Sarah Sinnott

 Gleann Rua Native (Westside Fred – Moonlight) and owner/rider Sarah Sinnott going ahead of Gleann Rua Maxwell (Westside Fred – Moonlight) and owner/rider/breeder Lorna Murphy. 

Reserve Ridden Champion Glenrua Maxwell with Lorna Murphy

 Third place went to Liam Lynskey’s 5 yr. old Black Shadow (Silver Shadow – Tawin Ballinvoucher)

In the final round-up it was the winner in the 4 and 5 year olds,  the 4 yr old mare Newtown Blossom with rider Brenda Shortt who stood Supreme in the Championship with the Ridden Stallion Class winner, Gleann Rua Native  and owner/rider Sarah Sinnott from Cork standing  Reserve   What an outstanding achievement for such a young  pony.                                                                   One widespread complaint after the Connemara Ridden classes:  Why, oh why does the commentator feel obliged to inform everyone within earshot, (including Judges) of the names and details of each pony as it stands before the Judges ??

Fernville Danny with Grace Murphy

 Some who caught the camera’s eye.

Master Mozart with Nicola Henry

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tulira Katie Daly with Elaine Creaven

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