There was an early start in the Main Arena (8.10 am).  In the 138 Grade A Pony Championship Jason Sweeney of Ballina was our sole representative with his two ponies Sakama Chezni and Cappuccino lV but sadly finished just out of the ribbons. This class was followed by the 148 Grade A Championship where Headford's John Enda Lee's pony Westside Ranger ridden by Eoin McMahon was placed fourth and Claremorris's Cormac Hanley(Moy Dancer) and Craughwell's Tim McDonagh (Imagine if One) finished seventh and eighth respectively.

10.30 in the Simmonscourt Arena saw the 5-year-old Championship Qualifier take place.  Here we had Claremorris's Shane Goggins finish second with Gabriel Mullins's Claddagh Cruise On and Cathal McMunn (Beltra) riding Michael Culligan's One Time finish third. Their Championship is on Sunday.

Today there was the second qualifier for the 4-year-old Championship.  Only six horses qualify for this and they are selected by adding their scores from the two days together.  They are judged on future potential, natural ability to jump, rideability and temperament. Specially selected judges ride them during the Championship.  The highest scoring horse after today is Cordarco owned by Thomas O'Brien from Athenry and ridden by David O'Brien.  His score is away above the others.  Fifth place in today's class went to Cathal McMunn from Beltra riding Breda McMunn's Flash Diamond.

The Young Riders had their first competitions today.  In the 1.20 metre classs Gerry McCormack's Silver Tycoon ridden by Barry McCormack

(Coolaney) jumped spectacularly to finish in second place just 0.68 of a second off the winner's time.

Michael Duffy (Turloughmore), second last to go in the jump-off of the Young Riders 1.30 metre class, galloped faultlessly through the finish on Killard Horizon and won the competition 1.26 seconds faster than his nearest rival.

Jumping for Connaught people finished after the 128 Grade A Pony Championship was held in the Main Arena at the conclusion of the Aga Khan trophy.  We had just one representative in Olga Burke from Ardrahan riding Simone Barry's The Nut Cracker.  The course was big and strong and only four managed clear rounds.  Just one fence denied Olga her place in the jump-off but she'll be back next year no doubt!