The Connaught Horse League moved to Headford Show on Sunday for the third round of the season, with competitors overcoming challenging weather conditions to produce an excellent day of competition. Despite persistent rainfall, spirits remained high among both senior and junior riders.
Fresh from an outstanding performance at Mullingar CSI2*, where he was crowned Leading Young Rider, Stephen Gibbons added another notable victory to his growing record. Riding the experienced stallion Cassius Z, Gibbons claimed the Derryronane Stud 1.35m Grand Prix after producing one of only three double-clear rounds from an eight-horse jump-off field. Their winning time of 44.05 seconds secured a remarkable fourth consecutive Grand Prix victory at Headford Show.
The 15-year-old stallion, by Canabis Z out of Ginger Sari, has enjoyed an exceptional run of form, having recorded two wins and a third-place finish at Mullingar CSI2*.
Another rider returning from a successful week at Mullingar, Zaid Al Radd, finished second aboard B.E Flygold with a clear round in 47.99 seconds. Leading International rider Sven Hadley continued his strong form, taking third place with Machnus Lux in 48.12 seconds.
Hadley later shared top honours in the Puissance competition. Riding Brandonview First Edition, he cleared three rounds alongside Andrew Hodgins and Shanaclough Luichew, resulting in a joint victory.
Hodgins and the John Glynn-owned Shanaclough Luichew were also fastest among the four-faulters in the Grand Prix, finishing fourth in 48.21 seconds. Shane Goggins and Boleybawn Cayman claimed fifth, while Joyce Veld partnered Miley Dunning’s Corraghoe Bounce to sixth place.
Premier Performance 1.20m
Zaid Al Radd returned to the winner’s enclosure in the Premier Performance 1.20m class aboard B.E Flygold. The combination produced the fastest of ten double-clear rounds, stopping the clock in 32.91 seconds.
Owned by John Chadwick and bred by GBBS International, the nine-year-old gelding is by Stakkato Gold out of Ballypatrick Flight.
Hadley secured second place aboard Make It Easy HSH in 35.83 seconds and later finished fifth with Kannan Contessa. Mark Duffy and Caraghs Trendy Master claimed third, while Kate Derwin and Fuerty Roc took fourth. Young rider Saga Gunnersson completed the top six aboard Lara’s Joy.
Flexineb by Nortev 1.10m
Young rider Maeve Coffey led the victory lap in the Flexineb by Nortev 1.10m class aboard Creevaghstables Buttler Jones. The pair recorded a double-clear round in 29.47 seconds.
Bred by Dermot Condon, the nine-year-old gelding is by Buttlers Cravat out of the Roselier-sired mare Denmark Rosie.
Al Radd continued his impressive day by taking second place with Londons Diamant, while Aoife McCabe and Umira Quality finished third. Anna Baynes and Lochan Ramiro placed fourth ahead of Evan Burke with Ballynagran Buzz. Mark Duffy rounded out the top six aboard Manifesto.
Connaught Showjumping Amateur League
Shauna Wilson and Omard Hannah secured victory in the Connaught Showjumping Amateur League, producing the fastest of three double-clear rounds in 31.67 seconds.
Brian Weir and Corroy Candy finished second, while Marie-Claire Rogers and Eris M2S completed the podium. Stephanie Forde and Merlins Vixen finished fourth, followed by Tomas Seoighe and Flaming Eyes in fifth. Aisling Donoghue and Silent Picture took sixth place.
Connaught League Pony Classes
Cian Murtagh won the 128cm Under-10s Connaught League class aboard Little Miss Lightning. Sisters Saoirse and Joscelyn Leonard continued their friendly rivalry, finishing second and third with Kyneton Snipe and Cefngelli Sherry respectively.
Leinster rider Jack Derwin claimed victory in the 128cm 90cm Connaught League class aboard Ginger Rodgers. Sophie Hawkshaw and Ice Ty De Noone finished second, while Elaine Briscoe and The Glimmer Man took third.
Derwin enjoyed a second victory later in the day, delivering a flawless performance aboard the eight-year-old Candy Surprise to win the 138cm 1m class in 24.55 seconds. Amber Tobin and Harry Finn finished second, while Niamh Delaney and Kisheen claimed third.
In the 148cm 1.10m class, Ronan Gilvarry and Dexter Leam Prancer emerged victorious with a clear round in 32.43 seconds. James Cleary and Abbi BW finished second, while Joshua Broderick and Greenfield Star secured third place. Ella Cash and Lightning took fourth, with Gilvarry adding a fifth-place finish aboard Romaround. Luke Sweeney and Sparkling Boomerang’s Zehavi completed the top six.
Headford Show once again delivered a successful and competitive day of action, with riders from across the country continuing to battle for valuable Connaught Horse League points as the season progresses.