Clarke keeps up impressive showjumping performances

Ballivor showjumper Gerard Clarke added to his impressive tally of success last month when claiming two international wins with the ever-consistent Iquem Du Plessis. Clarke, who attended secondary school in Longwood, was competing amongst a world class field, left his rivals in his wake as he took the honours in the first speed class in Montpellier France. The following week the pair added another win to their tally when taking another speed class at Wieze CSI This powerful combination demonstrated similar good form earlier in the season when slotting into fifth place in the world famous Hickstead Masters' Challenge. Entering the showjumping arena at a very young age, it has been a long journey, but it's one that Clarke completed with style, recording wins in every category. Encouraged by his parents, Gerard and Verona, he took numerous victories in the pony arena with first pony Mindy and later Drishog Boy. The transition to horses proved equally as successful for this young rider, delivering winning performances with Coldbrook Tigger, Jakes Dream and Iquem Du Plessis. Moving into the senior arena, 2008 proved to be very successful year for Clarke as he competed against some of Ireland's more experienced riders. Amongst his memorable placings were runner-up in the Irish Sports Council Speed class at Cavan International show with Kellswater Crimson, and a win in the Puissance with Iquem De Plessis. Continuing this upward curve, in 2009 Clarke took fourth place in the SJI Premier Grand Prix. Demonstrating equally good form in the young horses section, he landed the red rosette in the coveted Horse Board League on Ardragh Stein, which ensured his selection for the World Breeding Championships in Belgium. The year ended on a good note as he returned to Cavan International show to claim fourth place in the Grand Prix. Keen to gain some valuable international experience, the following year Clarke travelled to shows in Wisbecq, Neerotern and Barcelona and produced similar performances. Competing alongside his European counterparts, he took it in his stride as he claimed a Grand Prix win at Wisbecq along with a series of good placings over the course of the show. Clarke struck again in Neerotern, taking the honours in the speed class, and a second in the Grand Prix. This success following through to Barcelona, when delivering another string of good results against the clock, and in the Grand Prix. This year, as well as clocking up a host of wins on home soil, he also travelled to Europe where he featured in many line-ups, including the Grand Prix in Vimeiro Portugal, where he achieved a top 10 finish. Like so many Irish riders, Clarke has a busy schedule competing at home and abroad, but it is a necessary step in building a career within the industry. Following in the footsteps of riders such Cian O'Connor, Jessica Kurten and Denis Lynch, the Ballivor rider aims to keep the Irish flag flying at many more international shows while keeping close to his roots.