The second Allianz Starfinder qualifier was held at Ard Chuain on Sunday 10th May in conjunction with the Pony Premier league. As Ireland continues to be a production nation this competition continues to attract and develop some of the top six and seven year old 148 ponies within the country.
With seventeen starting in the six year old division and sixteen in the seven year olds it was fitting that the top six placings were divided 50/50. Last to go in the jump off was Ciaran Nallon and Judy Murphy’s coloured seven year old ‘Javas Lady Bug’, this pair left everything standing in a time of 32.90 to take the win from long- time leader Abby Morton and her mother Joanne’s six year old ‘Annie May’ as they too finished on a zero score, their time was 34.96. Sean Monaghan took third place with Anne Derwin’s six year old ‘Springhill Rebelious’ 0/0 35.06 with Michaela Nugent booking her place at the National Pony and Young Rider Championships in Mullingar on Michael Murphy’s seven year old ‘Carrickaduff Pet’ 0/0 35.18.
Ten of these young ponies qualify at each of the five venues prior to the Championships, they then go forward to Mullingar where the top twenty five over the two pre- qualifying classes go to the final where Allianz put up a very generous prize fund of €5,000 and the coveted ‘Starfinder of the Future’ title.
The next opportunity to qualify for this prestigious final will be at Barnadown on 24th May.