Medals Continue for Sillogue Darkie
Ciaran Briscoe has e-mailed us to let us know that the Connemara Pony was to the fore at the highest level of European Pony Show Jumping again last weekend when Sillogue Darkie, ridden by Galway’s 15 year-old Michael Duffy, was only just squeezed out of first and into second place by 0.77 seconds in the CSIP Grand Prix.
CSIP Neeroeteren 1m30 GP
- Kalim De Montlieu; Emma O’Dwyer (IRL)
Faults 0.00/0.00 Time 31.99 - Sillogue Darkie (CP); Michael Duffy (IRL)
Faults 0.00/0.00 Time 32.76 - Spirt; Kevin Jochems (NED)
Faults 0.00/0.00 Time 33.32
Held at the prestigious Neeroeteren venue on the Belgium/Netherlands border Eamon Briscoe’s gelding, up against 31 International class ponies, jumped a double clear only to be pipped by the fourteen year old Emma O’Dwyer from Kilkenny on Kalim De Montlieu. Both riders were members of the Irish European Silver Medal-winning team in August’s European Championships at Moorsele in Belgium.
(It must also be noted that Michael – named Galway Sportsperson of the Year last week – went on to seize another silver from the Junior Grand Prix, finishing the 1m40 course on the family bred Killard Horizon in a time of 41.36 as well as being runner up in the Two Phase class on Friday.)
This is yet another triumph claimed by Sillogue Darkie (G-16356), who has Individual, Nations Cup and Grand Prix wins to his credit from up and down this country as well as Belgium, Italy, France, England and Holland. Sired by Ard Talisman (S-897) out of Coillchru Esmerelda (M-7896), this 13 year old is entirely owned, bred and trained by the Briscoe family and is a huge credit to them and to his breed. We hope to be hearing more of his exploits soon as we understand he competes again very shortly. Well done to all concerned.
Here is a YouTube video of Darkie in action, uploaded by user Briccies01 (with a ‘refreshing’ rock soundtrack, so if you are at work – you have been warned!).
Such a handsome pony! Congratulations to everyone involved with this success.
congradulations darkie on a fantastic year!!
Darkie impressed again!! In the first round of the Hengelo international showjumping Sillogue Darkie jumped like a snow owl. Hovering over the fences he set an amazing time. Unfortunately at the last fence he came just a bit too close to spread his wings and shifted a bar.
I keep my fingers crossed for the grand prix on sunday and wish Darkie and Michael and all other connemara ponies and riders good luck!!