Lusk Equestrian hosts another successful RUAS Qualifier and Derby
Great ground conditions and only a touch of wind at popular venue
Lusk Equestrian hosted the final RUAS Balmoral Performance Horse Qualifier on Sunday, April 7, for Six-/ Seven-year-olds and Five-year-old horses, followed by a derby for 1m, 85cm and 70cm competitors.
It was great to see some of the qualified combinations come along for a school in preparation for the show in May 2024 and three who came all the way from Cooley Farm in Co Wicklow.
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Judge on the day, Caroline Biorg, came from Co Meath and was surprised to see great ground conditions and only a touch of wind! All those who attended were complimentary of the arena and the variety of fences on the course. Vickie White from RUAS was on hand to ensure all went smoothly. As usual, Fran Warden ensured that all competitions ran to time.
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The Six-/ Seven-year-olds went first over the 15-fence course, which included a bank and double of green hedges, followed by light rails over a water tray. Colin Halliday, although already qualified, proved that this was no accident, as he came first and second with ‘Powers’ and ‘Cody’s Glasgow’ on the day, ahead of Lucy McIlroy and ‘Imperial Wonder’. As Colin was already qualified for Balmoral, it left the remaining qualifying spots for Eihmear Donaghy on ‘TMS Freedom’ and Rachel Finnegan on ‘Imperfectly Perfect’.
The Five-year-old class was won by Jonny Steele on the impressive mare ‘Cosmic Dancer’, who was also already qualified. This left Emma Jackson (‘Rockrimmon Legacy’), Amanda Goldsbury (‘Castlefield Van De Man’) and Rachel Thompson (‘Calvescot’) taking the qualifying places.
Jonny Steele had the win in the 1m class with ‘George’, while Lesley Coey and ‘Alfie’ won a hotly contested 85cm class. Jonny Steele had to settle for second place on ‘Marl Gladiator’ in the 85cm.
Belfast girl Georgia Shannon took the win in the 70cm class and, only in her second year riding, she showed her competitive nature, always trying her best to win on her super pony ‘Daisy’.
Lusk Equestrian continue for the next three Sundays, starting April 14, with show jumping – starting at 10am with classes from 60cm for the grassroot competitors up to 1.10m for those more experienced. As usual, all fences will be up to height… it’s a proper Lusk course! Entries to Sarah Whiteside on 07840 117132.
RESULTS
Sunday, April 7
Spring Derby and Balmoral Qualifiers at Lusk Equestrian
Class 1 - 70cm:
1) Georgia Shannon, Daisy; 2) James McEvoy, Lofty; 3) Sarah Moore, Bruce; 4) Orla Dunne, Callie; 5) Jane Bruce, Minnie the Minx; 6) Neil Morrison, Charlie.
Class 2 - 85cm:
1) Lesley Coey, Alfie; 2) Jonny Steele, Marl Gladiator; 3) Emily Morris, Buddy; 4) Lesley Jones, Derrylackey Playboy; 5) James McEvoy, Jones; 6) Sophie Price, Molly.
Class 3 - 1m:
1) Jonny Steele, George; 2) Jason McKeown, Dourough JR; 3) Poppy McMurray, Nemo; 4) Aimee Webb, Nala; 5) Lesley Jones, Christy; 6) Lesley Jones, Leo.
Class 5 - Five-year-old RUAS Balmoral performance horse qualifier:
1) Jonny Steele, Cosmic Dancer (AQ); 2) Emma Jackson, Rockrimmon Legacy (Q); 3) Amanda Goldsbury, Castlefield Van D Man (Q); 4) Rachel Thompson, Calvescot (Q); 5) Janie Cairns, Mezcal; 6) Emily Corbett, Drumlane Danny Boy.
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Class 6 - Six-/ Seven-year-old RUAS Balmoral performance horse qualifier:
1) Colin Halliday, Powers (AQ); 2) Colin Halliday, Cody’s Glasgow (AQ); 3) Lucy McIlroy, Imperial Wonder (Q); 4) Eimhear Donaghy, TMS Freedom (Q); 5) Rachel Finnegan, Imperfectly Perfect (Q); 6) Janie Cairns, Zambia’s Touch.