O’Neill having a Pop at Millstreet
Obviously, having one of the most exciting young horses in the country in Ard Ginger Pop helps, but also because his good friend Greg Broderick is helping out by not challenging for the crown.
Broderick scored what is likely to have been a unique hat-trick at last week’s Dublin Horse Show, when taking the three young horse classes. In lifting the title for five-year-olds with Alberta Mist, he relegated O’Neill to the runner-up spot.
It was obvious yesterday, though, that the rivalry is the proverbial “friendly” and confined to the competition sphere.
“We’re best pals. The only time we growl at each other is in the arena. I don’t mind being second to him, once the horses are going well.
“But I’m lucky here, as Greg has nothing in the five-year-olds, so I might have a chance,” joked O’Neill from a mostly sunny Green Glens, where a strong line-up of international riders, not least the Irish contingent, means no win will come easily.
Already O’Neill and Ard Ginger Pop have laid down a marker, winning Wednesday’s qualifier.
“Ard Ginger Pop is the most careful horse I’ve ever ridden. You feel she’s always going to be clear. In fact, with me she’s only knocked one fence in 36 rounds. It happened at Mullingar and it was my fault, 100%,” said O’Neill, describing the Luidam mare as “brave and intelligent”.
The horse is qualified for the World Breeding Federation Championships for Young Horses (Sept 18-21) in Lanaken, Belgium, while O’Neill is hopeful he will have a smooth passage through to the final of the €50,000 Irish Breeders Classic at Barnadown, Co Wexford, a fortnight earlier.
Generating interest, too, is the fact the horse is due to be auctioned by owner Sharon Fitzpatrick two nights prior to the final.
O’Neill has no regrets.
“I produce young horses and every one is for sale. I only got the ride, as Sharon’s daughter Susan was focused on the European Pony Championships recently in Millstreet.”
The international classes kicked off yesterday and Daniel Coyle made it two in a row with Athlet Van’t Lozerhof, repeating last year’s victory. The 19-year-old Derry rider said he had been lacking some fortune this year with the 14-year-old gelding that finished 15th in the Hickstead Derby, but said “we had all the luck today”.
Coyle and the chestnut — produced as a youngster by Dermott Lennon — were eighth into arena one and went into a lead with a time of 61.87 seconds that proved too hot for the 57 rivals that followed. Best of these was Alexander Butler (Monastery Stud More Pleasure), almost a second behind, with Britain’s Laura Renwick (Rembrandt Blue) third on 64.42secs.
Renwick was only warming up, however, and had the pace to top the leaderboard in the second international, a two-phase class.
Riding Beluga, she denied Ireland a brace, coming home just over a tenth of a second faster than Richard Howley aboard the eight-year-old mare Hazel.
The action continues today with two more international classes, while tomorrow’s feature is the Speed Derby.
Another innovation is an elite foal sale, taking place prior to the National Discovery final tomorrow night, while Sunday will be dominated by the €50,000 grand prix.
Most importantly, entry is free every day.
on Monday came as the disappointment of Friday’s nations cup display at the RDS lingered in our consciousness. As such, it would be understandable to feel that in a fortnight we will again experience dismay in Normandy, France.
But the squad is one with potential. Bertram Allen’s win in Sunday’s €200,000 Longines Grand Prix at the Discover Ireland Horse Show, demonstrated the ability of Molly Malone V, but, importantly, also showed the 19-year-old has the maturity to match his peers.
Darragh Kenny has been in tremendous form both sides of the Atlantic and Imothep has the requisite class. Throw in the experience of Cameron Hanley (Antello Z); Denis Lynch (All Star 5); and Conor Swail with Lansdowne, horse of the year in Ireland last year, along with a small portion of luck and you have reason to be optimistic.
at Dublin Horse Show, the mare reminding us of her enduring talent with a stunning victory in the Speed Championship. The 17-year-old Cruising offspring will spend out her days at the home of her breeder Claire McDonnell in Co Wicklow, as is tradition with all Army horses.
“There’s no horse as fast. She’s an amazing mare,” declared Cpt Kelly of Mr Chroi, who also won the Longines Grand Prix at Dublin with Gerry Flynn, who has since left the Army.
Cpt Kelly previously played football for Longford and said: “I’m a big supporter of the GAA, but nothing beats the thrill of winning here.”
of mares and foals from across the country for the final of the Pegus All-Ireland Breeders Championship.
The final is one of many classes for mares, young stock and ponies at the WCHB annual show, to be held at Bandon Showgrounds on Sunday, Aug 31. Show schedule and entry forms at westcorkhorsebreeders.com.
