First round qualifiers in both the Winter 128cm and 138cm classes on the schedule, drew combinations from far and wide in good numbers to the Ayrshire venue, with none perhaps travelling further than Shrewsbury based Olivia Poole, who with four victories in the saddle just edged out several local riders to take the title of top jockey at the three day show.

Olivia and her recently acquired mare My Little Pumpkin added to their tally of three wins in Winter 128cm qualifiers at other venues, by taking both Friday and Saturdays 128cm qualifiers, before rounding off a good weekends work at Rowallan by taking both a Starter 128/138cm Handicap and a 128/138cm Starter Open with her ten year old gelding Koda.

Rowallan’s resident rider Claudia Rebecca Dinning’s cool and calculated riding ensured that Olivia did not have things all her own way, both girls fighting out a nip and tuck duel for the honours in all of the numerous classes they competed against each other in. Claudia, who had to play second fiddle in the first two days of battle, finally got her just reward when finishing first and second in Sunday’s 128cm qualifier with Matthews Girl and Flinor Songbird respectively, recording the only two double clears of the class in doing so. Claudia also enjoyed wins on her other two ponies, heading the line in the 128/138cm Starter Open with Forever Penny, before going on to win the 70cm Open partnering Captain Sparrow.

Elise Harker likes nothing better than to come in last in a class after sizing up her opponent’s thoroughly, the tactics paid off not once but on three occasions as she stormed to victories aboard Blueberry Boy III in two Welcome Stakes 80cm Opens and a 90cm Open.

Cumberland’s Amy Ion took two Winter 138cm qualifiers partnering her veteran gelding Tyson.

Lara Whiteway is a frequent visitor to Rowallan from her base in Preston and seldom leaves the Ayrshire arena empty handed; this latest junior show was no exception with Lara recording wins in two JC/JA Handicap’s partnering International Playboy.

There were several victories for local rider’s at the show including Alix Guthrie aboard Lion Rock II in the Newcomers/1m Open, Jenny Logan partnering Stainsby Style in the Open, and for Jordan Young with Silver Cloud in the 90cm Open.

Rebecca Hamilton and Diego II safely made their way through to the Winter 138cm second round with a competently ridden double clear. Rebecca Henderson partnered Cloverhill Minsky to the only double clear in the Pony Open. While Scott Molloy saw off some serious opposition to win the Foxhunter/1.10m Open aboard Valerie’s Boy.