WEEK three of the Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing saw another full house of excited competitors keen to gain more points in this very popular League, where riders can pick and choose any or all of the three disciplines at a level that suits them. The League continues every Saturday until February 25, with points being awarded for performance and attendance up until the previous week (February 18).
This week there was a three-way split in the Intro class which, once again, attracted most entries. Ballyclare girl, Laura McKillan certainly had a day to remember, as she took a win in the Intro ‘A’ section, as well as a second place in the Pre Novice ‘B’. Laura shares grooming duties between Celia O’Neill and Hayley Cunningham. The win came with ‘Cal’ (‘Caltra Lancini’) on a Coreen Abernethy awarded score of 70.5%. Laura has been riding ‘Cal’ for the past four years for Celia, while her boys have been busy pursuing their educational qualifications and she hopes to event him at some of the venues this year.
Nikki Cullen was just half a point adrift with ‘Gemstone Ruby’, her 11-year-old mare by the Irish Draught stallion, ‘Rineen Clover’. Nikki has had the mare from a two-year-old, breaking her and competing at unaffiliated events prior to taking a foal from her four years ago.
Coreen also was the judge for the Intro ‘B’ class, where she reserved her top mark of 73% for Freya Kennedy riding ‘Roughan Balou’, a nine-year-old mare whom Freya introduced to Eventing Ireland last year, competing in seven events, both North and South. Elaine O’Connor put in a very strong performance with ‘Tullymurry Vegas’ to occupy the runner up spot. ‘Vegas’ is a five-year-old ‘King of Mourne’ gelding, bred by Samuel Brown, out of a Thoroughbred mare, ‘Sioux City’. Elaine’s husband, David, competed this gelding on three occasions last season under Eventing Ireland rules, culminating in a win in the EI 90 at Finvoy.
Amelia Wheeler was out to prove that her week one win was no flash in the pan and she impressed judge Penny Sangster, who credited her and ‘Midnight Minty’ with a score of 73.8%. This five-year-old piebald gelding, whose week one win was on his inaugural Flexi journey with his 13-year-old rider, is certainly a partnership we’ll be reading about for many years to come.
A delighted Oonagh MacOscar from Moy took second place on ‘Russell’, a 15-year-old part Irish Draught by ‘Ard Grandpa’, who joined the family as a three-year-old. He is described as being a real character, who enjoys being in charge! The pair had a difficult year last year with injury, but are rearing to go this season and credit much of the dressage success to training undertaken with Trevor Smith.
Penny Sangster also had the privilege of judging the first Pre Novice section, where 18-year-old Kaiti McCann struck gold with the very accomplished ‘Cookie’, with whom she has been partnered for the past two years. There was a tie for second place between Sue Stevenson, who has started the season in the saddle with her and Ben’s 11-year-old gelding, ‘Elpaso Rising Storm’ (‘Tiny’) and Pony Club member, Hannah Thompson with ‘Jemeela Charm’, another very well accomplished duo.
It was a case of back to back wins for Bethany Smith and ‘King’ in the second split of the Pre Novice section which, this week, was judged by Janet Hall. The combination picked up a score of 74.3%. ‘King’ is an 18-year-old gelding by ‘HHS BR Charlton’ on whom Bethany has taken the ride for the duration of this League. It was in this class that Laura McKillan took her second placing as runner up with ‘Embarcadero’, a 15-year-old gelding by ‘Chacao’ and owned by Hayley Cunningham. Clearly an all-rounder, the gelding has competed at Pony Club Intermediate Dressage Championships in England last summer with Hayley’s son, Patrick, who is currently at University. This gelding has also clocked up significant experience under Working Hunter rules.
Two of the eight starters in the Novice class, judged by Janet Hall, broke the 70% barrier, with Denis Currie taking the win on ‘Arodstown Aramis’ with a score of 75.3%. Kitty Cullen slotted into second place with ‘Coppenagh Spring Sparrow’ on a score of 73.3%, impressive for a 12-year-old, who made a very successful start to her eventing career last year.
Denis also featured in the three starter Intermediate class, where he took the runner up spot, over three points adrift from the winner, Suzanne Hagan and ‘OBOS Take One’, replicating their performance from last week.
Sincere thanks to the large team of helpers across all three disciplines, who worked hard to ensure that the day ran seamlessly and, of course, most sincere thanks to Judy Maxwell of Baileys Horse Feeds for the very generous sponsorship. Organisers are also grateful to Treo Eile, who are presenting a cash prize of €150 for the highest placed Thoroughbred in the League.
Christine McBride of Equine Performance Solutions Ireland (formerly North Coast Equestrian) have provided Equipe bridles with matching reins and Mattes saddlecloths for the combination which best supports the League, as well as one for the combination gaining most dressage points throughout the League.
The prize giving will take at The Meadows on February 25 at the completion of competition.
This is open to absolutely everyone and, as the name suggests, riders can choose to do any or all of the three disciplines. Dressage enquiries to Dora on 07876 758979 or dorabeacom@live.co.uk. Enquiries re: Show jumping and Cross-country should be directed to MEC on 028 3832 2417.
RESULTS
Saturday, January 28
Flexi Eventing
Dressage
Intro ‘A’ – Judge: Coreen Abernethy: 1) Laura McKillan, Cal; 2) Nikki Cullen, Gemstone Ruby; 3) Keeva McElhennon. Sundance 111; 4) Hannah Whittle, Mr Red; 5) Abi Gardner, Hillside Nicely Dun; 6) Freya Kennedy, Roughan Sunny.
Intro ‘B’ – Judge: Coreen Abernethy: 1) Freya Kennedy, Roughan Balou; 2) Elaine O’Connor, Tullymurry Vegas; 3) Siofra Mason, Consequencial; 4) Wendy Anderson, Clovers Brigade; 5) Jessica Byrne, Buck Rogers; =6) Eve Lindsay, Gem; Megan Coxford, Ars Vicendi.
Intro ‘C’ – Judge:Penny Sangster: 1) Amelia Wheeler, Midnight Minty; 2) Oonagh MacOscar, Russell; 3) Suzi McClean, Butter; 4) David O’Connor, Tullymurry Grace; 5) Zara Reid, Lola; 6) Anne Killen, Alf.
Pre Novice ‘A’ – Judge: Penny Sangster: 1) Caiti McCann, Cookie; =2) Sue Stevenson, Tiny; Hannah Thompson, Jemeela Charm; =4) Michael McGaffin, Diago; Christina Turley, Ann’s Bob; 6) David O’Connor, Ace.
Pre Novice ‘B’ – Judge: Janet Hall: 1) Bethany Smith, King; 2) Laura McKillan, Embarcadero; =3) Katie McKee, Murray; Sheena Kerr, Pegasus; 5) Nicky Nesbitt, Carrickview Saratoga; 6) Michael McGaffin, Simba.
Novice – Judge: Janet Hall: 1) Denis Currie, Troy; 2) Kitty Cullen, Coppenagh Spring Sparrow; 3) Bethany Smith, Dun Surprise; 4) Connie Cullen, Nemo; 5) Claire Ireland, Goin’ For Gold; 6) Anita Doherty, Goldiva.
Intermediate – Judge: Janet Hall: 1) Suzanne Hagan, Obi; 2) Denis Currie, Troy; 3) Lisa Allen, B.
Show jumping (double clears)
70cm: Freya Kennedy, Roughan Sunny; Clara Ferry, Diskin; Isaac McCarthy, Hollywood Pippin; Ella Lindsay, Tom; Susan Glover, Thunder; Abbie Harkness, Melody; Jenny Lindsay, Golden Girl; Anna Reid, Commander; Lauren Madine, Esker Hill Spiddal; Kathryn Boyd, Brother Hubbard; Maya Constable, Smurf; Eimhear Kinchin, Carlsberg; Leah Turkington, Holiday Kharisma; Ruby Mulvenna, Chester; Charlie Watson, Socks.
80cm: Craig Hills, Gordon; Freddie Castles, Lola; Katie Sweetman, DJ; Yvonne Whiteside, Finn; Melissa McKinstry, Lui; Tara Lynn, Finnebrogue Fortview Mermus; Louise McFarland, Technicolour Dream; Arlene Greenaway, Warrior Bob; Abi Gardner, Hillside Nicely Dun; Laura McMaw, Dunross Ocean Mist; Sarah Brashaw, Out of Phoenix; Caitlin McGuigan, Trigger; Karina McVeigh, Cococabana; Amber Walsh, Checka.
90cm: Rhonda Hall, Nigel; Grace Harney, Kylestone Diamond Lass; Robyn McFadden, Zephyr; Chloe Gannon, Fleet; Karen Pearson, Cora; Lesley Coey, Alfie; Yvonne Whiteside, Leah; Hannah Thompson, Jemeela Charm; Eve Lindsay, Gem; Lisa Allen, B; Elly-Rose Dixon, Sliabh Ban Rosie; Jessica Byrne, Buck Rogers; Helen Pannell, Archie; Alison Callion, Ready Ted; Michelle McConnell, Inisbri Dawn Chorus; Daryl Somerville, Olive; Daryl Somerville, Baz.
1m: Rachael Foster, Millparks Eoin; Jackson Laing, Bailey; Lucia McNamee, Kiki; Niamh Devlin, Bonita; Niamh Devlin, Millie; Niamh Devlin, George; Rachael Broome, Nature’s Blossom; Megan Coxford, Ars Vicendi; Eve McDowell, Nakuti; Shane Treanor, Star; Jenny Lindsay, Fanad Romeo; Keeva McElhennan, Balnashallog Goldfinch; Eimhear Donaghy, TMS Freedom; Jessica Knowles, Pinecroft Jedburgh; Kim Constable, Peter The Great; Maya Constable, Duncarberry Cascade; Kim Constable, Big Cat; Ben Cousins, Broughshane Boy; Keeva McElhennon, Sundance 111; Rosie Mullan, Twix; Molly Goodwin, Grange FlintSurf; Nicola Wray, Springhill Showman; David O’Connor, Shauna; Jackson Laing, Flora Dora.
1.10m: Jackson Laing, Bailey; Sian Parkes, Albert; Gemma Murphy, TBS Inspector Sparrow; Luke Campbell, Rose; Lucy Kayes, Shamrock; Emma Ewing, Murp; Gemma Murphy, Kinmar Pretty Boy; Charlotte Harding, Kontiki; Connie Cullen, Finding Nemo.
1.20m: Suzanne Hagan, Commando.
Cross-Country (clear rounds)
70cm: Daisy Douglas, Disco; Clara Ferry, Diskin; Karen Pearson, Cora; Isaac McCarthy, Hollywood Pippin; Amy Robinson, Sherry; Susan Glover, Thunder; Ava Murphy, Mylestown Lady; Lynsey Kennedy, Izzey; Sandra Somerville, Stewart; Lauren Madine, Lear Lady.
80cm: Sarah Russell, Dowdstown PJ; Emma Thompson, Cantseeforlooking; Jackson Laing, Wesley; Yvonne Whiteside, Leah; Yvonne Whiteside, Daisy; Asya Dixon, Donaghmore Melody Song; Cheryl Smyth, DS Little Red Fox; Tara Lynn, Finnebrogue Fortview Mermus; Suzi McClean, Butter; Zara Reid, Lola; Nikki Cullen, Gemstone Ruby; Leah Turkington, Arkle Arizona; Caitlin McGuigan, Trigger; Sorcha Hanly, Cherry; Karina McVeigh, Cococabana; Shane McKeever, Caprio; Sharon McKeever, Hemmingway.
90cm: Chloe Gannon, Fleet; Wendy Anderson, Clovers Brigade; Robyn Rice, Holiday Kruising; Sophia Madeley, Bainrion Alainn; Emma Irwin, Darcey; Jessica Byrne, Buck Rogers; Eimhear Donaghy, TMS Freedom; Marian Tennyson, Sensations Bay Rum; Nikki Cullen, Danske Coevers Lass; Michelle McConnell, Inisbri Dawn Chorus; Oonagh MacOscar, Russell; Rosie Mullan, Twix; Cayleigh Erwin, Island Beauty Seventh.
1m: Claire Smyth, Tilly; Nicky Nesbitt, Carrickview Saratoga; Nicole Fox, Cody; Sian Parkes, Albert; Eve Lindsay, Gem; Megan Coxford, ARS Vicendi; Anita Doherty, Goldiva; Jayne Moore, Layla; Zara Smyth, Tilly; Charlotte Harding, Kontiki; Molly Goodwin, Grange Flint Surf; Keeva McElhennon, Balnashalog Goldfinch.
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