WHILST the turn in the weather didn’t stop the stalwarts attending the show jumping league final at Ardnacashel on Saturday, owner Janice Reddy did make the difficult decision to reschedule the Air ambulance Show to October 1, stating: “We always aim to provide the best conditions for our competitors and the sudden rainfall would have made the ground slippery and less than ideal. As this show will include NIF qualifiers, both myself and David Wightman felt strongly that postponing was the best option.”
As always, this venue provided strong and flowing courses on well maintained all-weather surfaces, with both Holly McCarroll and Alex Hemsley winning two league classes each. Not to be outdone, Hannah Moore also won her section of the league. All league winners were rewarded for their efforts with beautiful Ardnacashel Equestrian rugs.
MEMORIAL TROPHY
A very special presentation was awarded on Saturday by Angela Cartwright, who is a well-known face at Ardnacashel, having competed there for many years. Angela donated a trophy to the 90cm league winner, in memory of her home-bred ‘Clover Top’, who was sadly put to sleep last year and was a regular winner at Ardnacashel, winning the 70cm league last year at the grand age of 25.
‘Clover’, as he was known, was by the stallion ‘Ballythomas Clover’ and out of a Grade B mare that Angela competed; and, as a young horse, was backed by none other than recent Aga Khan winner, Conor Swail!
Over the years, ‘Clover Top’ brought Angela many happy memories and the team at Ardnacashel were delighted to see her there on Saturday on her new mount ‘Sky’, who shares a bloodline with ‘Clover Top’.
Brian Firth and ‘Socks’ were very pleased to win the 90cm league and to receive The Clover Top Memorial Trophy from Angela.
With no rest, the Ardnacashel team must now prepare for the annual dressage league starting on Sunday, September 11.
RESULTS
Saturday, September 3
Show jumping league final
Cross-Poles Clear Rounds: Basil, Molly McCabe.
League winner: Zara, Holly McCarroll.
50cm Clear Rounds: Basil, Molly Anderson; Zara, Holly McCarroll.
League Winner: Zara, Holly McCarroll.
60cm Clear Rounds: Sky, Angela Cartwright.
League Winner: Lys Etoile, Angela Penman.
70cm Junior: 1) Vinnie, Alex Hemsley.
League Winner: Vinnie, Alex Hemsley.
70cm Senior: 1) Just Winston, Jasmin Beattie; 2) Lys Etoile, Angela Penman; 3) Weasel Boy, Victoria Irwin.
80cm Junior: 1) Vinnie, Alex Hemsley; 2) Hanabanana, Jennifer Thursfield.
League Winner: Vinnie, Alex Hemsley.
90cm League Winner: Socks, Brian Firth.
1m: 1) Ice, Vicki Titterington; 2) Annie, Hannah Moore.
League Winner: Annie, Hannah Moore.
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