09 Sep Gemma Crowned Amateur Leinster Champion
Amateur Leinster League Final
The Amateur Leinster League reached an exciting climax on Sunday at Mullingar after ten hotly contested legs, beginning at the Ingrid Kane Show in April. Sponsored by Leinster Region Showjumping, the series offered €1,400 in prizes for the top six riders, with an additional €1,000 awarded at the finale.
Consistency proved key, as Gemma Drennan emerged overall champion with Cool Finesse. She opened her campaign with victory at the Ingrid Kane Show, followed by a runner-up finish at Ballyfoyle, before sealing the title with second place in Mullingar. Her tally of 35 SJI points edged her just ahead of Linda Gillespie, who finished on 33 after a strong league highlighted by wins at Westmeath Agricultural Show and solid placings at Tattersalls and Mullingar with Archibald (HSI).
Third place overall went to Gary Flynn, whose two victories with Bahrain Prince (Ballyfoyle and Adamstown) brought him to 31 points. Colm Fitzpatrick and Maretto Flight secured fourth on 30, while Drennan also featured in fifth with Cavachino. Aoife Maguire rounded out the top six aboard Pharos Hazy Cove.
The league also shaped team selection for the upcoming Plusvital Interprovincial Championships at the National Amateur Championships (Sept 20–21). Leinster will be represented by: Gemma Drennan, Linda Gillespie, Aoife Maguire, and Kate Fortune.
Final Round Highlights
The final round saw 19 combinations battle for top honours, with Colm Fitzpatrick (AA) and Maretto Flight taking the win in a sharp 31.21 seconds. Hannah McNiven (AA) followed closely with Hey You in 31.39, while Linda Gillespie (AA) claimed third on Archibald in 32.04. Drennan featured once again, finishing fourth with Cavachino (32.17) and fifth with Cool Finesse (32.36). Aoife Maguire (A) and Pharos Hazy Cove completed the leaderboard in sixth on 33.22.
#Showjumping #AmateurLeague #LeinsterEquestrian #IrishShowjumping #HorseSport #EquestrianLife #NationalAmateurChampionships #JumpOff #EquestrianIreland