Banglestown Imp

An Irish mare, bred by the late Loftus O'Neill of Skyglove Stud, Co. Carlow, Ireland. A man known as a true genius in horse breeding, the brain behind the breeding of some of the best Stallions in Ireland, true Irish blood lines. Banglestown Imp, is a mare whos sire is the prolific Master Imp, a stallion who is world renowned in breeding world class eventers. A thoroughbred demonstrating the values of the traditional Irish horse. Banglestown Imps dam, Lady Anika was a true example of the Irish mare. With super bloodlines, the ultimate, King of Diamonds. A stallion behind the breeding of many of the best Irish show jumpers ever to grace the land. Banglestown Imp, has a prolific career, a horse of a life time. As a four year old, she stepped into the ridden hunter circle under the command of Mrs Cariad McAlpin, having had numerous wins in hand as a young horse. The pair became a thrilling combination. Standing champion four year old ridden hunter mare and reserve supreme champion of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Show next Lorenzo, a gelding who had been supreme champion at the RDS. What a magnificent start to this beautiful mares career. The mare, known as Daisy by her owner, Mrs Valeris Breen, Augher, progressed at a rapid rate and soon put the boys in their box, Daisy was doing it for the girls. Standing Champion hunter mare at the International Dublin Horse Show at the RDS having headed her class both as a four year old and a five year old under again the beautiful rider, Mrs Cariad McAlpin. Imp then released her talent over fences, proving as careful as a cat, as she was placed 3rd in the 120cm speed class at Kernans Equestrian centre, this time with Joanne Jardan on board. It was also this year whilst jumping, the multitalented mare headed the ladies astride championship at Balmoral. However her success did not end their, just two days later she jumped clear and achieved full marks in her conformation and ride tests to add her now widely recognised name to the much sought after Balmoral Working Hunter champion cup. Banglestown Imp was then steered towards the ultimate prize in Working hunter, the Derby at the Show of the North, a thirty fence course so technical many don't make it past the tenth fence, compromising hedges, bounces, water and solid fences straight from the cross country track as well as big oxers. Imp showed her scope and pure talent as she won the championship easily, being one of only two clears from seventy eight starters. In 2008 Banglestown Imp again returned to the RDS where her presence was strongly felt as she headed her class and it looked like she would yet again be crowned the Queen of Dublin only due to an injury to her hind leg this time with Lesley Webb in the saddle. This left the mare unable to compete in the championship and working hunter, a sigh of relieve for other competitors although a sorrowful time for the team involved with Banglestown Imp. Imp was placed in foal to the well known Clover Echo, an Irish sport hore, a name familler to show jumping enthusiasts. In the Spring of 2009 Imp mothered a filly foal, who from an early age was seen to have pure natural talent and definitely one to look out for on the international show jumping circuit in years to come. Having been successful at both Balmoral and Dublin, she went under the hammer at Goresbridge Horse sales as a yearling where she achieved the top price, selling to the military of defence. It was in this year where Banglestown Imp would again make her presence strongly felt, returning to the in-hand scene to head Balmoral and Dublin. A remarkable achievement. Imp, now in foal to Ghareeb, a thoroughbred stallion producing many elite eventers. Foaled down a superb colt foal, which floated across the show ring, similar to Robert Walkers Ghareeb, Ballard Bouncer. Returning to Balmoral, it was another championship for the unstoppable mare. Who also in 2009 ventured to the Royal Highland Show, where she headed her class, the brood mare championship and then stood reserve champion supreme of the entire show. In 2011 Imp returned under saddle to the Royal Dublin Horse Show, with long term rider, Lesley Webb, a leading lady in the world of showing, where she headed her class yet again, that's a red rosette acheived at one of the worlds most acclaimed horse shows every year in attendance. In this year she also won the Tattersalls Working hunter final and picked up HOYS qualification. The mare combined with Miss Webb were a fabulous combination. Imp always being turned out remarkably well due to a super team at the Co. Down yard. The bay mare now turned her head to the all Ireland ridden hunter final where she stood reserve supreme under the ride of Miss Louise Breen. A new young and exciting combination. Imp then headed to the yard of Mr David Tatlow, an English gentleman, a well known ambassidor of the equestrian showing world. Here it was international show jumper Adam Bootham who gathered up the reigns to win 3 from 3 off the biggest working hunter shows in England. Daisy returned to her Irish home for the winter where she was given a well deserved break. In April 2012 she give birth to a filly foal by Ramiro B, and on first outing went champion as per a usual and picked up qualification for Dublin. The success this mare has achieved is down to her perfect confirmation, her balanced ride, scope and pure brilliance when it comes to her pedigree. It's a fact to say Banglestown Imp has left her hoof print on the world of showing for many years to come. The only question one could ask; what can't this mare do? A credit to her late owner Loftus O'Neill, owner Valerie Breen and handler Louise Breen. A horse recognised by her bay dapples all across the UK, Banglestown Imp is here to stay.