Waterford-born Army rider Commandant Geoff Curran and the Irish-bred gelding Bishops Quarter (ISH), bred by Gerard Murphy, soared over the big red wall at a height of 2m25 (7ft 4inches) to win the Defender Puissance at a packed RDS arena in Ballsbridge on Saturday evening at the Dublin Horse Show.
A thrilling competition saw only Curran and Derry’s Jordan Coyle riding Eristov make it into the final round from the 13 competitors who started. Coyle had a brave attempt to clear the wall at its final height but dislodged the coping to set up a grand finale where Curran had his chance to win. A perfectly judged ride down to the wall saw Curran and Bishops Quarter (ISH) clear the wall to a huge cheer from the watching audience. Third place was shared between Mikey Pender riding Hearton du Bois Halleux and Brendan Murphy with Erne Riverrun (ISH).
In the earlier Dublin Stakes, Wexford’s Bertram Allen and Edison de Hus took victory in a competition where Irish riders filled all of the top four places. Daniel Coyle and Gisborne VDL finished as runners-up ahead of Commandant Geoff Curran and Glengarra Wood in third while Bertram Allen’s younger brother Harry finished fourth with Iron Lady van de Zuuthoeve.
The Royal Dublin Society Stakes saw victory going to Britain’s Sienna Charles after a brilliant round aboard Valkiry de Zance. Tipperary’s Tom Wachman and Cathalina S were just a fraction behind in second while third place went to another British rider, Harry Charles with Chavira.
Young Horses
The prestigious 4-Year-Old ‘Mo Chroi’ National Championship saw Niamh McEvoy crowned champion with BP Lady Masterpiece (ISH). Bred by Greg Broderick Ballypatrick Stables, BP Lady Masterpiece (ISH) is by Diamant De Semilly (SF) out of a Cruising (ISH) dam. Michael Roche and BP Othello finished second, with third place going to Daniel McAlinden and Knockane Bellicose Bay.
Ponies
A thrilling 128cm International Riders Pairs Relay saw Mikey Pender and Thomas Meagher (Little Miss Big Time) team up to take victory.
Wexford’s Lauren Adams and ASJ Samurai (ISH) were crowned 148cm 6 & 7-Year-Old National Champions ahead of Senan Reape and Jsb Tik Tok in second and Conor Brennan and Coolcronan Liberty (ISH) in third.
Amateurs
Kilkenny’s Marie Hartley and Nikita Van Het Heidenhof emerged as winners victory in Saturday morning’s Amateur competition in the Simmonscourt arena Second place went to Gemma Drennan with Cool Finesse, while Lisa Patterson and Little Miss Shutterfly finished third.
BREEDING
Bishops Quarter (AKA Ballydunne Jim) (ISH) – 2007 stallion by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Ballydunne Beauty (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Gerard Murphy, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Minister for Defence. Rider: Geoff Curran (IRL).