Ireland’s Peter Moloney Snatches Early Lead to Win CSI4* 1m40 Class at Liverpool International
Competition one of the Liverpool International Horse Show got underway this morning with a CSI 4* 1m40 class, boasting a field of top competitors, giving an early crowd of spectators a taste of what lies ahead.
Sponsored by Horse & Country TV, 34 competitors rode a course of two halves; the first a round of seven traditional fences with the second half, a jump off set to test the scope of horse and rider.
First out was Ireland’s Sven Joseph Hadley riding the 2005 stallion, Sumas Taloubet. Both produced a careful clear paving the way for the remaining 33 riders.
Shane Breen, another favourite for Ireland, riding CSF Vendi Cruz finished his round on an unusual 8 faults questioning early on, the degree of difficulty and accuracy needed for the first class of this year’s event.
It was Robert Whitaker, for Great Britain who was next to ride a clear with Cash Sent, unfortunately for father John, riding León O.L, despite posting a quick second half the pair rolled a pole in the first section, finishing on four faults.
Riding into the arena early on was IRL’s Peter Moloney, on board the Darco sired gelding, Calimero Van’T Roth. Collecting a sound first and accurate yet quick second round, the pair stopped the clocks on 36.95 and 27.61 respectively, setting an enviable early lead meaning the chase was certainly on.
Speed Queen Laura Renwick, riding MHS Washington, lived up to her name by riding a quick and precise clear round. However Renwick was unable to conquer and although riders who entered the arena grew more confident of the track ahead, Moloney’s lead grew more and more difficult to snatch.
More top names entered, yet left unable to prosper; William Funnell and Billy Twomey were sure to have a fighting chance but were unable to alter the top spot.
Amanda Derbyshire, riding Lady Maria BH, was the 22nd rider into the arena. Riding a steady first half of the course, the rider really put the pressure on finishing only 0.4 seconds behind Moloney’s second half clock, resulting in a tight 2nd, but the question remained, would Moloney remain unbeaten?
Louise Saywell rode a beautiful clear demonstrating showjumping athletisism at its finest, earning her a joint jump off clock score with Derbyshire of 27.68. Her horse, Feigtling owned by Graham Ward, seemed to Breeze around under the blue lights of the arena taking it all in his stride.
Young blood Harry Charles rode his fathers ABC Quantum Cruise steadily around the arena for a double clear. Riding carefully Charles demonstrated his ability to compete among a field of top class riders beautifully, unfotunately the clocks ticked away underneath his horse’s stride leaving him in 16th place.
Moloney held the lead to prosper taking away 1650.00, with joint second place going to Amanda Derbyshire and Louise Saywell.
This afternoon, as the doors officially open here at the Liverpool International Horse Show, spectators can look forward to the Shetland Grand National, International Showjumping and demonstrations to delight.
If you’re unable to attend, the live stream is a great way to keep up to date with all the action.
Final Result
- Peter Moloney IRL riding Falimero Van’T Roth
- Amanda Derbyshire riding Lady Maria BH 2. Louise Saywell riding Feigtling
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.