The first qualifier for the 148 6 and 7 year old Starfinder ponies took place at Galway Equestrian on Sunday 26th April. This league has been supported by Allianz for the last number of years and continues to see the production of some top class ponies. Ten combinations qualify at each of the five qualifiers which run in conjunction with the Pony Premier and these then go to the pre qualifiers which are held at the National Pony and Young Rider Championships being held this year at Mullingar Equestrian from 20th – 23rd August. The grand final is held on the Sunday of the Championships, with a prize fund of €5,000 this is one of the richest production classes in Ireland all thanks to Allianz.
Thirty six young pony combinations started in this class with eight six year olds and six seven year olds making it into the jump off. The six year olds were definitely the dominant ones as they filled four of the top six placings. John Aylwards six year old ‘Coppenagh Tom Sparrow’ ridden by Oisin Aylward took first prize finishing on a zero score in 34.58 with Ciaran Nallon steering Judy Murphy’s seven year old ‘Javas Lady Bug’ into second place in 35.31. Third place went to Anne Derwins seven year old ‘Kilcurry Dawn’ ridden by Kate Derwin and breaking the beam in 38.12.
The next Allianz starfinder qualifier takes place at Ard Chuain Equestrian Centre on 10th May where another ten young ponies will qualify for the Championships.