ADVERTORIAL

Cruising In Clone

Out of the exceptionally bred Clover Hill mare Kilnamac Sally, whose half-sister Kilnamac Holly produced the US-based jumper Instant Karma, the imposing 170cm six-year-old Cruising In Clone carries the best of Irish bloodlines capable of producing both jumping and eventing stock.

A full-brother to Electric Cruise, Cruising In Clone himself showed potential as an event horse as a three-year-old when placed second in the Potential Event Horse class at the Dublin Horse Show, but the decision was later made by his owner Pat Delahunty to send him jumping. The following summer, the striking grey was ridden by Ger O’Neill to qualify for the four-year-olds at the RDS, but was unplaced in the final order.

Dungarvan-based rider Peter Moloney took over the reins last spring and brought the stallion back to Barnadown for the five-year-old RDS qualifiers, and the youngster only just missed out on qualification. “He is much stronger in himself now so Peter will aim him at the RDS again this year,” Delahunty said ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.

Of course, Cruising needs no introduction, both as a performer and as a sire of multiple champions. A winner of countless Grand Prix competitions across the globe, the son of Sea Crest went on to produce winners in both eventing and show jumping at the highest-level, and in doing so was awarded five-star ratings for his progeny. He is the only stallion in Ireland to receive this accolade.

Four-star event horses such as the exported Mr Medicott, Mr Cruise Control, and Irish-based Electric Cruise have kept Cruising ranked among the top six eventing sires in the world again in 2013, while top show jumpers such as Flexible and Solerina have ensured that Cruising remains in the top-50 show jumping sires as up-and-coming stars prepare to take up the mantle.

As the first foal out of Kilnamac Sally, Electric Cruise is one of Cruising’s most successful eventing progeny to remain in Ireland, having represented Ireland at the European Championships in Luhmuhlen, and at Olympic level in London, where, with long-time rider Joseph Murphy, they placed a creditable 14th. Last year they continued to impress when eighth in the four-star at Pau, and just recently they finished in the top 10 of a very competitive international field in the CICO*** at Ballindenisk.

Cruising In Clone will stand at Ballinasisla Stud in Bonmahon, Co Waterford, this season. Inquiries to Pat Delahunty on 087-6885382.