Kill International Equestrian Centre hosted the first of the Veteran Amateur classes which is being introduced on a trial basis throughout Ireland. To compete in these classes riders must be registered as either A or AA riders in the current year and Ladies must be over 40 years of age and Gentlemen must be over 45 years of age.

As this class is running as a trial there are no points awarded but judging by the excellent entries in this class there would be little doubt that this will 'take off' and follow the professional circuit which now has a Veterans league which is being run by the International Association of Veteran Jumping Riders.

The day began at Kill in fine style with the sun shining and an excellent turn up of competitors all looking forward to an excellent days jumping on the outdoor which was going to be perfect footing regardless of the weather.

The first class of the day was the Welcome Stakes and of the 55 starters, 26 jumped through to the second round. First into the ring was Wayne Sherry riding the 5 year old Australian bred Irish Sport Horse filly, MyCeltic Tiger Lil and after a super smart first round they stopped the clock in the second round at 27.70secs with no jumping faults - an excellent first time registered outing for this Celtic Gold filly and they had set the standard!

But their glory was shortlived when stable mate, the inform Mary Ann Casey, also based at Kill International kicked this time by some 5+ secs to come through the finish flags with Ballintaskin Dream in 22.94secs but there were many following her.

Mary Ann held onto her lead though until another stable mate, Caitriona Flannelly, making her maiden appearance in Amateur competition, tore the time apart riding brother Denis' Mustang Sally, stopping the clock at 21.77secs in a near text book round of jumping.

One by one those following tried to knock Caitriona out of pole position but she held it all the way through to the final competitor and emerged victorious to a huge round of applause - not bad for their first Amateur competition and no doubt this will spur them on and this combination will hopefully be seen in the competition ring consistently from now on.

Pictured right: Mary Ann Casey and Ballintaskin Dream looking determined and showing super technique as they kick the time!

Mary Ann has been showing fine

form coming off a very successful time at Dublin Horse Show where they excelled in both the jumping and the show rings. Mary Ann was also picked for the Amateur Nations Cup Team in Scotland next month but unfortunately they will not be competing now as the horse has been sold but no doubt we will see Mary Ann continue winning and placing with the sper team of horses she rides for various owners - watch for this young lady in the future showing in the Dressage ring as well with a new ride she has just taken on.

Pictured above far right we see 'Daddy' Casey who took a higher look as his daughter Mary Ann jumped her way into the placings today.

Pictured left: Donna Lyttle and the very handsome black horse Donard King put in a super performance today making the trip from County Clare worth while finishing in the placings.

The crowd of supporters today at Kill was fabulous to see and it adds to the atmosphere - and the Amateurs certainly get the supporters!