Quinlivan closing in on O’Connor in IJM League

IF you wanted to know the truth about show jumping, Millstreet Horse Show was the place to be last weekend. The best of sport combined with the legendary Green Glens spirit for another memorable weekend.

Sarah Kate Quinlivan is one rider who will not forget the show. Continuing her successful partnership with Billy Daly’s Newmarket Girl, the 22-year-old provided the only double clear in a six-horse jump-off for a popular win in Sunday’s grand prix. This followed her second place to Glenbeigh Army rider Lt Brian Curran-Cournane (Carraig Dubh) in the first of a league double-header at the Cork venue.

There was no doubting, however, that Robert Splaine was value for money in Sunday’s finale, Quinlivan’s fellow Cork rider pushing all the right buttons with Clarion Hotels Coolcorron Cool Diamond ... until the last fence, that is. His hopes of a win dashed, he was, nevertheless generous in defeat and quipped: “I remember her in her pram. I never thought she’d come here and beat me.”