Cavan Equestrian Centre both hosted and sponsored the second leg of The HSI Connolly’s RED MILLS Spring Tour where a fierce duel took place between last week’s winner Liam O Meara and the ever competitive Catherine Thornton.

Stuart Clarke set a fair and reasonable challenge for a large field and most fences saw faults with even some of the more seasoned competitors falling away in the first round.

Nine combinations found their way through to the jump off with current Tour league leader Liam O Meara and Northern Rider, Catherine Thornton, coming through with two horses each into the jump off round, joining them were current National GP Champion, Vincent Byrne, former National Champion, Eddie Moloney, International event rider, Sarah Ennis.

These experienced combinations were to be challenged by youngsters, Emma Malone and Jack Ryan,  both representing the young rider section. The jump off track offered opportunity for tight turns and long gallops with carefulness and accuracy needed.

First to go, Liam O’Meara, surely thought he had done enough with a blistering round.  Catherine Thornton soon made it clear that she wasn’t there to make up the numbers and with a foot perfect round, put her mount, the smart Derryinver Luxury Cruise, into a comfortable lead ahead of O’ Meara.

Eddie Moloney , Sarah Ennis and Vincent Byrne all put in stalwart efforts but the combination Thornton and Derryinver Luxury Cruise looked too fast. Liam O Meara looked sure to retake the lead on his second ride but jumping faults saw his challenge falter.

In spite of a very spirited pair of rounds from Emma Malone and Jack Ryan, Thornton was left in a secure lead with only her second ride left to go. Jumping last, she jumped a second smooth round to assure herself of another slot in the final line up but leaving her David Campbell owned stallion out in front.

Cavan’s Spring Tour Round finished an exciting competition with newcomers announcing their arrival and providing spectators with thrilling entertainment.

The result sees Liam O’Meara holding his league lead heading to Ravendale next weekend. 13 year old Kilkenny rider, Jack Ryan, took top points in the Young Rider Section. Derryinver Luxury Cruise by Lux X and out of the Cruising Dam Icing took the HSI/ISH leading Irish Bred section with the winning owner being David Campbell.

John Garraghy of Connolly’s RED MILLS was on hand to congratulate the prize winners. The HSI, Connolly’s RED MILLS Spring Tour moves to Ravendale next Sunday.

The tour is supported by Showjumping Ireland,Castlefield Sport Horses, Ashford Farm Ltd and Jumpinaction.net .

All results and updates are available on www.theshowjumpersclub.com and on Facebook Show Jumpers Club Ireland. Rounds can also be viewed on Irish Sport. TV Result;

 

HSI / Connolly’s RED MILLS Spring Tour 22nd Feb 2015 Cavan Equestrian Centre.

Class 1.35m Jump off.

1st. Derryinver Luxury Cruise/Catherine Thornton 0/0 36.79
2nd. Realt Na Carraig/Liam O’Meara 0/0 37.10
3rd. Galway Bay Easy Touch/Catherine Thornton 0/0 50.21
4th. Curraghgraigue Jack Take Fligh/Liam O’Meara 0/4 37.62
5th. Cavalier Teaca/Jack Ryan 0/4 41.33
6th. BLM Diamond Delux/Sarah Ennis 0/4 43.06

Young Rider: Jack Ryan

Best turned out: Derryinver Luxury Cruise.

Winning Owner: David Campbell

ISH. Leading Horse. Derry Inver Luxury Cruise

League Leader. Liam O Meara

Starters: 60.

9 through to Jump off.

Tour Sponsors : Connolly’s RED MILLS; Horse Sport Ireland: Ashford Farm Ltd.: Castlefield Sport Horses: Show Jumpers Club

Tour Supported by Jumpinaction.net; ShowjumpingIreland; Irish Sport. TV. Findlater/Robert Robertson. Www.theshowjumpersclub.com Facebook; Showjumpers Club Ireland
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