The new season under way in Portrush

Clear Rounds in the Sportsman's Class at Causeway Coast Community Showjumpers Easter show in Portrush

©2013Derek Simpson www.sportfile.co.uk — Clear Rounds in the Sportsman's Class at Causeway Coast Community Showjumpers Easter show in Portrush ©2013Derek Simpson www.sportfile.co.uk

There is a very close association between the Causeway Coast Commnity Showjumpers and the local Route Hunt, many of whose members are amongst the most enthusiastic voluntary helpers at the shows in Portrush.

The action got underway with a well supported Sportsmans Class with many of the regular followers of the Hunt amongst the entries. This class produced 10 double clear rounds and the first to record a double clear and earn the ever popular ‘early bird’ prize was the doyen of lady riders Mrs Rosemary Moffatt on the aptly named Jarvey. This combination are regularly to be seen heading the field with the Route Hunt.

The second class at 90cms attracted a very small entry for the prize money on offer and produced three double clears to divide the £45 prize money.

The third class at one metre attracted the strongest entry of the day and produced some exciting fare for the large number of motor car spectators who traditionally visit Portrush for the showjumping. After having 14 days hunting with the Route Hunt the Master Mr Philip White was quickly in his stride riding Julie Smyth’s Redwood Humphries to take this jump off class. Julie is the Whipper In for the Route Hunt and rides Humphries.

The fourth class at 1.10 metres was also well supported and the course builders David and Sylvia Nicholl began asking some serious questions of the horses and riders. The winner in this class was Helen Pearson Murray from Newtownards who is a regular competitor in Portrush. Riding her own Cyrano Buttercup Helen gave a polished display to edge out Donegal rider Ashling Doherty who took second and third places on her motherr’s Ursela and Bon Jovi.

In the final class of the day at 1.20 metres Ashling Doherty had better luck when she took first place with Ursela from local Route huntsman and farrier Lee Johnston riding his own homebred Democrat. This is a highly promising young horse by the locally based stallion Simply Javlin.

The action returns to Portrush next weekend when the Causeway Coast Community Showjumpers host the Balmoral Show 2013 qualifiers with a 10.00am start.