All-Star Performance from Niamh at Connell Hill

CONNELL Hill Equestrian Centre, Randalstown, kicked off the summer competition months in style, with the ever-popular Five-Star Tour on Sunday, July 3. From the start, competition was fierce, with less than a second separating the top six competitors in the first class, with Kelly Kilburn claiming first prize in the end.

This set the tone for the rest of the day, as combinations tackled what was an inviting yet fast track by the course designer Will Creene. A standout combination was Niamh McFall riding her own 13-year-old gelding, ‘Bay of Biscay’, who not only took the top spot in both the two-star and three-star classes, but also grabbed third place in the two-star class on her second ride, ‘Rose of Lennon’.

The four-star class was won by Sean Nangle riding ‘Calle’ and Lisa Priestley on ‘Derryinver Premier Sarah’ took home the top prize for the five-star class.

All winners received a beautiful rug, which was presented and kindly sponsored by Lisa Allen, Equimech, Equestrian and Biomechanics Coach. Thank you to all those who supported this leg of the Five-Star Tour at Connell Hill.

RESULTS

Sunday, July 3

One-Star: 1) Kelly Kilburn, River Commotion; 2) Caitlin O’Kane, Freyas Girl; 3) Grace McGarry, Just Because D&M; 4) Elaine Morrow, Caltra Leader; 5) Naomi McCavana, Ferro Charm; 6) Joanne Nevin, Curraghavarna Bud.

Two-Star: 1) Niamh, McFall, Bay of Biscay; 2) Grace McGarry, Imanthos; 3) Niamh McFall, Rose of Lennon; 4) Grace McGarry, My Cashel Clover; 5) Naomi McCavana, Ferro Charm; 6) Joanne Nevin, Curraghavarna Bud.

Three-Star: 1) Niamh McFall, Bay of Biscay; 2) Ian Moore, Triple C; 3) Rebecca Mooney, Knockroe Decies Girl; 4) Suzanne Poznett, Karmijn; 5) Dean Cotton, Imperial Darco Diamond; 6) Zoe Dickey, FSD Dance A Lot.

Four-Star: 1) Sean Nangle, Calle; 2) Victoria Brown, Calgot Cruise; 3) Hannah Blakely, Lougherne Kingfisher (IHR); 4) Suzanne Posnett, Luscinia Eickenrode; 5) Sarah Bailie, Lisnamorrows Echoizer; 6) Vikki Fox, Bonnie McKay.

Five-Star: 1) Lisa Priestley, Derryinver Premier Sarah; 2) Hannah Blakely, Lougherne Caravaggio; 3) Suzanne Posnett, Billy Flare; 4) Savannah Marshall, Flambeau; 5) Kevin Mackey, Edelboy VD Renger; 6) Aileen Feeney, Jessica R.