Dublin Horse Show: Soden shows class in Simmonscourt

The 1.35-1.40m division was the first of the young rider classes to contest the Student Living Championship in Simmonscourt. The first clear came from Harriet Cooper riding Annaghmore Small Hero. As the class progressed just two other riders joined Cooper in the jump-off.

First to go against the clock, Cooper delivered another clear in 40.47. Next-up, Max Wachman and Atlantic Du Seigneur proved out of luck when they faulted at the penultimate and the last, crossing the line in 35.86 to finish behind Cooper.

Last in, Kayleigh Soden knew what she needed to do as she took to the track with Ard Leaderman. She jumped clear in 40.01 to win the class.

Ard Leaderman, is a gelding by Luidam out of the Ard Douglas-sired dam, Essenar Lou La. Sodden who is trained primarily by Eddie Moloney and occasionally by Paddy O’ Donnell, she has moved up the ranks in recent times to senior Grand Prix level.

Jack Ryan finished fourth with Cavalier Teaca, knocking one fence in the first round in a time of 67.74, Hannah O’ Shea and Ciao Bella also had four faults, but in a slower time of 71.37, while Olivia Roulston finished on four faults in 73.66 for sixth.

1.25-1.30m

On Saturday evening, the 1.25-1.30 Championship went down to the wire, with just two double clears being delivered from a 10-way jump-off. Robyn Moran won the class with Colesgrove Cavalier, jumping clear in 24.42. Owned by Eon Glynn, the seven-year-old stallion, was bred by Padraig Glynn and is by Mermus R and out of the Cavalier Royale-sired dam, Glinsk Molly.

The second clear of the class was delivered by Orla Queally and Fontanel Van T&L, just fractions behind in 27.78. Fastest of the four faulters in 25.33 and taking third was Ciara Fives and Future Storm, ahead of Ciaran Nallon and Ballyfair Deal, who had one on the floor in 26.02.

Slotting into fifth was Max Wachman and Cesha Old on four faults in 26.31, while Jack Ryan also proved out of luck when crossing the line carrying four faults with Zavatar F in 27.25 for sixth.

1.10m/1.15m

On Sunday, competitors in the 1.10m/1.15m Championship were last to contest for the title. Following a very exciting five-way jump-off, Jodie Creighton took the title when she delivered a clear in 33.49 aboard Hylight. The seven-year-old mare is by Tyson and out of the Cavalier-sired dam, Wirona.

Angela Kosko put in a gallant attempt with Happiness R, jumping clear in 34.86 saw her take second. Slotting into third was Casey Phair and Handsome, clear in 37.02, ahead of Orla Queally and Nour Alain, clear in 37.96. Queally didn’t go home too disappointed however as the Paddy O’ Donnell trained rider, was later awarded the leading young rider award of the show.

Ciaran Byrne had an unlucky four faults with Golden Puissance, but their time of 48.49 saw them take fifth. Completing the top six was James McOwan and HHS Fort Lauderdale.