Pony Champion Of Champions

Press release 3rd August 2008

The Horse Sport Ireland finals of the "Champion of Champions" for one to three year old Irish bred ponies took place at the Irish Pony Society championship show held at Cavan Equestrian on Saturday 2nd August. Financed to the tune of €5000 with €1000 going to the winner, plus rugs to all finalists, this competition has hugely enhanced the enthusiasm of the pony breeders both North and South.

Qualifiers were held throughout Ireland with three in each province to encourage the maximum participation among pony breeders. 11 winners of the 12 qualifiers were eligible to compete in Cavan, with one pony absent as it had already been sold to the UK.

At the finals of the "Champion of Champions" 10 ponies came under scrutiny of pony judge, Caroline Nelson from Kelso. Her chosen champion was the 3 year old dark bay gelding "Kenilwood Tobais" owned by Dairina Walsh from Athlone, Co. Westmeath and bred by Rosemary and Leslie Massey from Co. Down. This pony is by Myanarch Aaron and out of one of the Massey's home bred mares, Kenilwood Galantus.

Standing reserve was "Ravarra Benjamin Bunny" another 3 year old gelding owned and bred by Trevor and Joanne Harper from Saintfield in Co. Down. Second reserve was Rosie Fitzgerald from Borris Co. Kilkenny with her home bred 2 year old bay filly Brandon Marietta. All three were top quality ponies and we look forward to following them in 2009 when they are produced under saddle.

Speaking to Caroline Nelson after the class, she said that she was very impressed with the quality and standard of our top Irish bred ponies and looked forward to seeing their progress next year under saddle.

Paula Cullen of the pony breeders committee thanked Damian McDonald, chief executive H.S.I, for coming on board to further help and promote our home bred ponies. "Unfortunately they have been the poor relation of the equine world for many years. This championship and the generous sponsorship from H.S.I introduced for the first time this year is a hugh incentive for our pony breeders" she said.

For further information contact Paula Cullen: 086 2566355