Regional tours have become an important feature in the show jumping calendar. They provided a training ground for young riders and horses and contribute to local shows. The Mervue Equine Leinster Summer tour has proven popular with riders, with a high level of competition, generous prize funds and good course designing.

This week, Iverk Show held the penultimate round of the Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour. The show is one of the oldest shows on the calendar and is now in its 192nd year.

Winner of the Nissan-sponsored leg of the 1.35m division was Wexford rider and graduate of the Show Jumping Ireland (SJI) Young Rider Academy Patrick Hickey with Quandurina, clear in 39.49. The 13-year-old mare is by Quidamderevel and out of Handura.

Ger O’Neill finished second with Warrior’s Glory, clear in 40.25. Owned by Sean Cubitt, this 10-year-old gelding is by Warrior and out of Gucci’s Glory. O’Neill only took over the ride early this year and he finished eighth in the Speed Derby in Dublin. Prior to this, he was campaigned by Lisa Cubitt (NZL) up to CSI4*.

Francis Connors and Capitol Cruise were third, clear in 41.63. A clear from Brendan Ryan and Lakeview Captain Kannan in 42.06, ensured him fourth place. Ger O’Neill was back in the line-up finishing fifth with Jack Can Het Dennehof.

Oliver Penfold and Chatsworth Danielle were sixth. Bred by John Mc Donald, the 10-year-old mare is by Eurocommerce Pittsburg and out of Clogh Cailini (Diamond Serpent).

1.20 DIVISION

In the 1.20 division victory went to another Wexford native, Ciara Browne riding Moonhall, when clear in 36.61. Bred by Kristina White the 11-year-old gelding by Lux z and out of Ping Pong (Clover Brigade).

Last year’s 1.35 champion, Paddy O’Donnell and Lucy Penny also jumped clear but in a slower time for 36.92 for second. Ger O’Neill was third with Killossery Krescendo (37.44). Bred by Frank and Laura Glynn, this six-year-old gelding is by Indoctro and out of Killossery Kruisette (Cruising).

Emma Carton and Castlefield Miss were clear in 38.92 to finished fourth. Owned and bred by Jim O’Neill, this six-year-old mare is by Pacino and out of the Puissance-sired dam, Little Miss Puissance.

Ger O’Neill featured once again, claiming fifth place with Shanbo What A Prince, in 38.96. Bred by Francis Corkery from Kilkenny and owned by Sarah Cleary, the eight-year-old gelding is by Luidam and out of What A Cruise (Cruising). Francis Connors completed the top six with Nobel S, clear in 39.05. Owned by Suzanne Macken, this six-year-old Belgian bred is by Cantario and out of Roxanne Van De Zuuthoeve (Quidam De Revel).

1.10 DIVISION

In the 1.10 division, amateur rider, Marie Hartley and Kilpatrick Fred jumped double clear in 32.71 to win. This nine-year-old Connemara gelding is by Monaghanstown Fred and out of the Murphy Rebel-sired dam, Moorland Juliet. Harltey also finished third with Scarthill Vendi – clear in 33.81.

Jess Widger, who was in the ribbons in the TRI National Pony Championships, finished second with Garraunfadda Bo Son, clear in 32.80.

This 13-year-old mare is by Temple Bo’Sun and out of Cill Riain Duchess. This mare was also campaigned by Widger in the Children on Horses arena.

Fourth place went to Paul Carberry and Cranny West, clear in 34.03, while Peter Brady and Hollymount Cruise Hill were clear in 35.21 for fifth.

This 20-year-old gelding is a fine example of great Irish breeding, by Cruising and out of the Clover Hill-sired dam, Ballintougher Ellie. The same could be said for Anna Browne’s mount, Tykillen Impact who finished sixth, clear in 39.05. This 19-year-old gelding is by Master Imp and out of the Clover Hill-sired dam, Clovers Appollo.