Irish horses and riders made a flying start on the opening day of the 2023 Dublin Horse Show, claiming a hat-trick of international victories in the RDS main arena.
The feature Sport Ireland Classic saw Cork’s Shane Sweetnam and the 9-year-old mare Out Of The Blue SCF snatch a last gasp win. A clear round in a time of 66.15 seconds saw Sweetnam edge Spanish rider Eduardo Alvarez Aznar who had looked set for victory with Legend after posting a clear in 66.88. Tipperary’s Max Wachman finished in third place with Quintini in a time of 67.10.
The first international competition of the 2023 Dublin Horse Show was dominated by Irish horses riders. Kildare’s Mikey Pender and the Irish-bred HHS Vancouver (ISH), owned and bred by Marion Hughes, raced to victory in the 1m45 Speed Stakes when stopping the clock clear in 57.23 seconds as last to jump. Irish riders filled all of the top five places with Sligo’s Richard Howley taking runner-up spot with Mansini Ltd (57.62), while third place went to recent European Young Rider (U21) double gold medallist , Kilkenny’s Seamus Hughes Kennedy with Cuffesgrange Cavadora (ISH), bred by Eamon Sheehan.
Minerva Stakes win for Galway-girl Jessica Burke
Galway’s Jessica Burke claimed Ireland’s second international win of the Dublin Horse Show, after she guided the 10-year-old mare Inpulss to a commanding victory in the 1m45 Minerva Stakes. Burke finished almost three-and-a-half seconds ahead of British runner-up Sienna Charles with Valkiry de Zance in the one-round contest, while Tipperary’s Shane Breen finished third with his winner of the 2019 Longines Grand Prix of Ireland, Z7 Ipswich.
Young Horses
The opening national competition in the main arena at the 2023 Dublin Horse Show, the six-year-old horses qualifier, was won by Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan and the Irish-bred mare Mondavi (ISH), bred by Ronan Tynan. Second place went to Oisin Aylward and ESI Indigo, while Harry Wood and ESI Lucius (ISH) finished third.
Michael Roche and BP Othello (ISH) received the highest score of 169.5 points to win the opening four-year-old qualifier. The gelding by Ganesh Hero Z (ZANG), out of Adelheid (KWPN), by Tygo (KWPN), was bred by Ennisnag Stud. Second place went to Niamh McEvoy with BP Lady Masterpiece (ISH) while Vincent Byrne and Edentrillick Special Edition (ISH) finished third.
Ponies
The opening competition in the Simmonscourt arena at the 2023 Dublin Horse Show was the 148 ponies qualifier. Victory went to Alexandra Kiernan from Co Cavan and Sweet Renees Girl. Kian Dore and Wineport Q Junior, finished as runners-up, while Annie Boland and Jimtown finished third.
The 138 pony qualifier was won by Tipperary’s Charlie Flynn with Knud Van Orchid’s. Second place went to Ruben Foley with Mayfly Green Peter, while Cian McMunn finished third with Et Hop De Naelle.
Tipperary’s Lucia Keane and Bossinova came out on top in the 128 pony qualifier with one of just two double clear rounds. Ryan Horgan and Million Dollar Baby also jumped double clear to finish second, while third place went to Jack Dore and Woodside Jerry-Lee.
Breeding
Mondavi (ISH): 2017 mare by Tyson (KWPN) out of You Two Delilia (ISH) by Warrenstown You 2 (ISH). Breeder Ronan Tynan. owner Marguerite Ryan. Rider Jack Ryan.
HHS Vancouver (ISH): 2013 gelding by Indoctro (KWPN) out of La Juanita by Don Juan de La Bouverie (SBS). Bred and owned by Marion Hughes. Ridden by Mikey Pender.
Cuffesgrange Cavadora (ISH): – 2012 mare by Z Wellie 72 (KWPN) out of Cuffesgrange Cavalidam (ISH) by Luidam (KWPN). Breeder: Eamon Sheehan Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Clare Hughes. Rider: Seamus Hughes-Kennedy (IRL).
BP Othello (ISH) 2019 Gelding by Ganesh Hero Z (ZANG), out of Adelheid (KWPN), by Tygo (KWPN), Breeder: Ennisnag Stud, Owner & Rider: Michael Roche