Ridden Classes (error re; Supreme Ridden Champion now corrected. mea culpa)
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 2nd 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.
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.
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
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.
The stallion class was last to go and here two full brothers took the first two placings with younger brother
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.
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. No picture from her Dublin Championship win so had to make do with Newtown Blossom winning her class with Brenda Shorty in Clifden the following week. All of Three and a half years ago !!!!
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 ??
Some who caught the camera’s eye.
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