Horse Sport Ireland Autumn Development Series Final Results-Arena Eventing Ballindenisk

The Arena Eventing Autumn Development Series Final took place in Ballindenisk, Cork thanks to the Fell Family who produced great courses on the day. Horse Sport Ireland sponsored classes for young horses including 4, 5 and 6-year-olds. The courses were a mix of show jumping and cross-country fences, including a water splash outside of the arena, and provided vital experience for the young horses’ future careers.  Each class was judged on their under-saddle performance as well as confirmation.

The six-year-old class was won by Patricia Ryan who was making her first eventing appearance in 7 months following injury. Ryan partnered Tom and Carol Henry’s The Game Changer (ISH)[TIH], a bay gelding by Nazar (ISH) out of Ballyfeenan Sally (ISH)[TIH] by Errigal Flight (ISH), bred by Alan Hatton, Co. Carlow. Nicola Ennis filled second and third place spots with second place going to the thoroughbred, Dawn Arrival (TB)(IRE) by Dawn Approach (TB), bred by Jim Bolger, Co. Carlow. Third was claimed by Killossery Kitten (ISH)[TIH] who is owned by Laura Glynn and bred by Frank and Laura Glynn, Co. Dublin. Killossery Kitten (ISH)[TIH] is by the thoroughbred stallion Mr Big Cat (TB) out of the Cruising mare, Killossery Kruisette (ISH)[TIH].

Patricia Ryan with The Game Changer Winner of the AE105 (6 y/o)
Photo: Irish Eventing Times

The five-year-old class was also won by a Traditional Irish bred horse with Michael Ryan. The winning horse, JVK Eclipse (ISH)[TIH], is owned by Tom and Carol Henry and by the thoroughbred stallion Chinook Eclipse (TB), out of the Clover Hill (ID) mare Kilcassey Lady (ISH)[TIH]. Second place went to Laura Kelly and her traditional homebred mare, HL High Point (ISH)[TIH], by the Thoroughbred stallion Pointilliste (TB) out of the Master Imp (TB) mare, Missus Ruby (ISH)[TIH]. Third also went to Michael Ryan, this time riding another Chinhook Eclipse (TB) horse, Via Victory (ISH), yet another beautiful young horse owned by Tom and Carol Henry.

Michael Ryan with JVK Eclipse Winner of the AE100 (5y/o)
Photo: Irish Eventing Times

The largest field of the day with 20 starters was the 4-year-old class. Twelve of the 4-year-olds produced clear rounds. The class was dominated by the Castlekelly based event rider, Nicky Roncoroni who claimed the first three placings. First place went to Rock Island (ISH)[TIH] who scored a phenomenal three 10 out of 10s in the ridden display and two 9s in the conformation section. The Chestnut gelding is by the thoroughbred stallion Island Commander (TB), out of Coolcorron Gypsey (ISH)[TIH], by Coolcooron Cool Diamond (ISH). This horse was bred by Michael Byrne, Co. Wicklow. Second was Rockalong (ISH), a bay gelding by Imperial Hights (ISH)(TIH) out of a French Buffet (TB) mare, bred by Malcolm Jennings, Co. Cavan. Third place went to the gelding, Leamore After Hours (ISH), by Arkan (AES) out of the Iroko (WESTF) mare, LCC Yoko (ISH), bred by Shirley Hurst, Co. Fermanagh.

Nicky Roncoroni with Rock Island, Winner of the AE90 (4 YO) 
Photo: Irish Eventing Times

As well as the HSI Development Series Classes, normal arena eventing classes were run on the day and were open to horses of all ages. The 1.05m class was won by Heidi Hamilton with her own Dam Easy (ISH). The 1.00m class was won by Nicky Roncoroni riding the 5-year-old mare Ida II. The 90cm arena eventing class was on by Nicola McKeonriding Duke of Elden (UNK).