The AIRC West Midlands Region hosted an exciting and highly competitive Premier Performance Team Show Jumping Championship at Roscrea Equestrian Centre, where riders faced a true test of accuracy, control, and time against a demanding course designed by David Maher.
Judges Emily Hogan and Mary O’Sullivan officiated throughout the day, while volunteers from Anvil, Arderin, Devils Bit, Clonshire, and Golden Grove Riding Clubs ensured the championship ran seamlessly.
David Maher’s track proved influential from the outset, with combinations finding it difficult not only to keep the poles in place but also to stay within the tight time allowed. The technical nature of the course ensured every second counted and kept the leaderboard incredibly close throughout the competition.
After the opening line of riders, only one combination managed to produce a clear round inside the time allowed — David Quinlan riding Old Camp Lucky Lilly for Arderin Riding Club. Their polished performance immediately highlighted just how challenging the track was proving to be.
The second line riders faced no easier task, and once again only one rider succeeded in delivering a clear without time penalties. Anne Grace aboard Roanwood Hanoras Dream produced an excellent round for Anvil Riding Club, adding further pressure to an already tightly contested championship.
Anvil Riding Club remained firmly in contention throughout the competition thanks in part to a strong second-round performance from Marie Crosse aboard Halley Hallelujah, helping Anvil Yellow ultimately secure third place overall.
Only three combinations managed the impressive feat of producing double clear rounds across both phases of competition. David Quinlan on Old Camp Lucky Lilly, Anne Grace aboard Roanwood Hanoras Dream, and Danielle Murphy riding Thornfield Dubh for Arderin Riding Club all demonstrated exceptional consistency over the demanding track.
Although spectators anticipated an exciting jump-off finale, Mill Road Black ensured there would be no need, with Joanna Lewis partnered Kiltiernan Sapphire to jump a clear in the second round and Emma Meagher’s composed clear round proving enough to secure victory outright.
While poles proved difficult to leave standing, the fastest rounds of the day came from Golden Grove Riding Club riders Pamela Jackman and Niall Molloy. Pamela delivered a superb round aboard Sir Lance in a time of 89.02 seconds — an impressive ten seconds inside the time allowed — while Niall followed closely with a stylish 89.69 aboard Winston P.
In the end, Mill Road Riding Club claimed the win with their Mill Road Black team, who will now represent the West Midlands Region at the Team Show Jumping Championship at the Royal Dublin Society this August. Team captain Emma Meagher secured the winning result aboard Rulahisu Romeo. While Runners-up Arderin Riding Club will now turn their focus to the Wild Card Qualifier at the Riding Club Festival in June after a strong and consistent team performance.
The qualifier also featured several memorable individual performances throughout the field. The Denny father-and-daughter combination of Fran and Jennifer endured an unlucky day with their young horses, though Fran Denny finished on a positive note by producing a clear round aboard Lloysboro Lady for Mill Road.
For Lisduff Riding Club, Fergus Ryan delivered the team’s only clear round, finishing an impressive five seconds inside the time allowed. Anvil Riding Club also saw a standout performance from Damien O’Meara, whose clear aboard four-year-old mare Killea Girl was the only fault-free effort for Anvil Green.
Clonshire Riding Club celebrated a clear from captain Noelle Kirby riding Dancing Red Fox, while Sarsfields Riding Club rider Karen McGrath produced a lovely clear round aboard Monocular.
This Qualifier once again showcased the high standard of riding within the AIRC West Midlands Region, with challenging courses, determined performances, and excellent sportsmanship making for a memorable day of competition at Roscrea Equestrian Centre.
Written by – West midlands Region
