22     FILLY, foaled in 2016, thoroughbred and non thoroughbred entered in their respective stud book, likely to make a high class performer.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 65  Lyons, Mrs Ann  SARAH’S CLEARANCE
2nd 63  Gibson, Mr Desmond  CALENDAR GIRL
3rd 68  Newell, Tom  KILCAHILL GEIMINI
4th 69  Shearer, Miss Claire & Cash Samuel  GHS CAVALIER CLAIRE
5th 67  McCullough, Mrs Kate  ADAGIO D’ACCORD

23     GELDING, foaled in 2015, thoroughbred and non thoroughbred entered in their respective stud book, likely to make a high class performer.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 81  Walsh, Mrs Dorothy  SUPERIOR CHOICE
2nd 74  Gibson, Mr Desmond  HIGHAND MIGHTY
3rd 71  Davis, Mr Robert  CORRAN EMPEROR
4th 78  O Gorman, Mr Kieran  MUNTHERS BASH
5th 70  Daly, Brian  NEWMARKET MARLEY
6th 75  Kirkpatrick, Mr David  REDWOOD SIR OUGHTERARD

24     FILLY, foaled in 2015, thoroughbred and non thoroughbred entered in their respective stud book, likely to make a high class performer.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 91  McCallister, Miss Valerie  SUGAR BESS
2nd 82  Ballykelly Sport Horses  BALLYKELLY EVA
3rd 83  Chambers, Mrs Shirley  JOCKEYHALL FIRST CLASS
4th 94  Murphy, Mr G and S
5th 93  Moffett, Miss Victoria  HOMEGROWN BEATRIX
6th 88  Harte, Brian  MOYTURA LADY JANE

25     GELDING, [lightweight], foaled in 2014, thoroughbred and non thoroughbred entered in their respective stud book, likely to make a high class performer.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 98  Gibson, Mr Desmond  CAFRE QUATER MASTER
2nd 102  Martin, Mr Timothy  THE MASTERS CHOICE
3rd 101  Kirkpatrick, Mrs Charlotte  CAIRNVIEW REDWOOD GUY
4th 99  Gill, Mr Tiernan
5th 104  Tierney Mrs Daphne  BLOOMFIELD WATERSIDE
6th 105  Walsh, Mr K  SPECIAL CHOICE

26     GELDING, [medium to heavyweight], foaled in 2014, thoroughbred and non thoroughbred entered in their respective stud book, likely to make a high class performer.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 111  Gibson, Mr Desmond  GLEN ACE
2nd 112  Gibson, Mr Desmond  ZULU WARRIER
3rd 107  Ballykelly Sport Horses  BALLYKELLY FLASHDANCE
4th 118  Williams, Mrs Maggy  HOMEGROWN REX
5th 114  Glynn, Mr P J  CRANNAGHMORE LAD
6th 117  Martin & Walsh  REBEL CHOICE

27     FILLY, foaled in 2014 thoroughbred and non thoroughbred entered in their respective stud book, likely to make a high class performer.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 120  Curtin, Edel & Dominic  CORGRIGG JOULES
2nd 131  Williams, John  MANTLEHILL DIAMOND GREY
3rd 124  McWeeney, Mr James  LONGSTONE GOLDEN LADY
4th 123  Horner, Mr Paul  BROOKFIELDS EMPRESS
5th 125  O’Connor, Joan  GREENHALL GRANUAILE
6th 129  Troughton Mrs Helen  SILKEN GILLIE

S20     CHAMPION PRIZES, £300 and £150- for the champion and reserve champion young stock animals. Presented by TopSpec.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 98  Gibson, Mr Desmond  CAFRE QUATER MASTER
Res 53  Gibson, Mr Desmond  ROLEX
S21     THE ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP- for the best one, two or three years old. Presented by Miss A D P McCammon, Holywood, in memory of all ranks of the Regiment who fell in the 1939-45 War.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 98  Gibson, Mr Desmond  CAFRE QUATER MASTER
Res 53  Gibson, Mr Desmond  ROLEX

S22     CHAMPIONSHIP ROSETTE- for the best yearling. Presented by the Society. The Champion and Reserve Champion yearlings will be eligible to compete in the young stock championship and for the Sir Milne Barbour cup [Special 24] if applicable.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 53  Gibson, Mr Desmond  ROLEX
Res 60  O Gorman, Mr Kieran  MURPHY 2

S23     CHAMPIONSHIP ROSETTE- for the best one, two or three years old filly. Presented by TopSpec.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 91  McCallister, Miss Valerie  SUGAR BESS
Res 65  Lyons, Mrs Ann  SARAH’S CLEARANCE

S24     THE SIR MILNE BARBOUR PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP- for the best animal, bred by exhibitor, in Classes 21-27. Presented by the Society.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 82  Ballykelly Sport Horses  BALLYKELLY EVA

38     MARE or GELDING, 4 years old and over, 155cms and over, registered in the Irish Draught section of the Irish Horse Register or harmonized Irish Draught studbooks.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 245  Glass, Miss Valerie  THE POACHER
2nd 274  Whitney, Jessica  EDENAGOR PADDY
3rd 186  Ormedilla, Miss Victoria  Master Flint
4th 242  Devlin Byrne, Alicia  King Flagmount
5th 271  Maxwell Murphy, Miss Grace  CAPPA RANGER
6th 265  Wright, Miss Amanda J  Dungar Quick Silver

Ladies Hunterrs Astride
43     MARE or GELDING, 4 and 5 years old, to be ridden by ladies in hunting costume riding astride.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 345  Whitney, Jessica  EDENAGOR PADDY
2nd 343  Smyth, Ms James  BANNVIEW SNAPDRAGON
3rd 221  Moore, Mrs Gillian  Mullaboden
4th 141  Finegan, Mrs Marie Helene  Liquid gold kingdom
5th 151  Wylie, Mrs Lyndsey  UPTOWN GIRL
6th 342  Kerr, Mr Olaf  CASTLEVIEWS ERINDALE ECPLISE

44     MARE or GELDING, 6 years old and over, to be ridden by ladies in hunting costume riding astride.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 353  McGowan, Miss Emily  EMS RICHEALS PET
2nd 346  Brittain, Miss Sarah  FANTASTIC MR FOX
3rd 195  Hennessy Ruane, Miss Helena  Cloneyhea Clancy
4th 356  O’Gorman, Mrs Janeith  IT’S AFTER EIGHT
5th 348  Corr, Mr Desmond  TICK TOCK T

S31     CHAMPION PRIZES, £50 and £25- for the Champion and Reserve Champion Ladies’ Hunter (riding astride). Presented by North Down Marquees.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 353  McGowan, Miss Emily  EMS RICHEALS PET
Res 345  Whitney, Jessica  EDENAGOR PADDY

S32     THE ELIZABETH BARBOUR PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP- for the rider of the champion Ladies’ Hunter (riding astride). Presented by Mrs Elizabeth L M Barbour Paton.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 353  McGowan, Miss Emily  EMS RICHEALS PET
Res 345  Whitney, Jessica  EDENAGOR PADDY

45     MARE or GELDING, 4 years old and over, over 148cms. Riders to have attained their 16th birthday before 1st January in the current year.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 372  Smyth, Miss Laura  CARNSDALE PEACEMAKER
2nd 369  Miskelly, Miss Ellie  MASSEREENE DORIAN GRAY
3rd 371  Reddy, Mrs Sylvia  DREAM ON CALYPSO
4th 359  Brien, Ms Suzanne  HARDINGVILLE DARCY
5th 364  Gravey, Ms Ciara  RINGO SADAT
6th 360  Buchanan, Mrs Kathy  BALLYLIN BEN

46     MARE or GELDING, 4 years old or over, to be ridden by ladies in hunting costume riding side saddle. (riders must have attained their 16th birthday before 1st January in the current year).
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 382  O’Gorman, Mrs Janeith  REDWOOD SILVER SLIPPER
2nd 195  Hennessy Ruane, Miss Helena  Cloneyhea Clancy
3rd 377  De Burgh, Miss Antonia  Gypsy Cobra Cruis
4th 205  Smyth, Rachel  Vantage Point
5th 333  Murray, Miss Beth  Kit N Kaboodle
6th 380  McClenaghan, Mrs Alison  HOMEGROWN MARX

S33     CHAMPION PRIZES, £50 and £25- for the Champion and Reserve Champion Ladies’ Hunter (side saddle). Presented by the Society.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 382  O’Gorman, Mrs Janeith  REDWOOD SILVER SLIPPER
Res 195  Hennessy Ruane, Miss Helena  Cloneyhea Clancy

S34     VERONICA TROPHY- for the highest placed SSA Area 21 (Northern Ireland) member riding her usual mount. The said combination to have participated in two SSA events in the current year.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 378  Ireland, Miss Lynne  DOWDSTOWN DANCER

MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND RIDDEN CLASSES
59     LARGE BREEDS – Ridden by a Senior
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 502  Smiley, Miss Kathryn  COPLEYLANE RINGO
2nd 499  Gabbey, Mrs Zelda  GLYNCEIRCH RHYDIAN
3rd 500  Gordon, Miss Diane  INGLEGARTH PERCUSSION
4th 503  Thompson, Casey  FFLUR GARNON

62     SMALL BREEDS – Ridden by a Junior.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 504  Blakely, Ms Emma  LONEASH MELANIE
2nd 507  McDonnell Mrs Mary  LINKSBURY POPSTAR
3rd 505  Blakely, Ms Emma  WELSTERN DISCOVERY
4th 510  Weatherup, Mrs Diane  COXWOOD FABIAN STEADMAN
5th 506  McCormick Sam  SALBROOK YARONA
6th 508  O’Connor Murphy, Melissa  Lucifier

28     MARE or GELDING, 4 years old, capable of carrying over 14st [89kg].
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 137  Tierney Mrs Daphne  BLOOMFIELD BADGER
2nd 134  McElligott, Richard F  PUSHKIN
3rd 136  Rothwell, Mr. Derry  GREENHALL HUNTSMAN
4th 139  Williams, Mr Ian  MARLFIELD
5th 138  Wallace, Mr Trevor  APPLE JACK

29     MARE or GELDING, 4 years old, capable of carrying 12st 7lb [80kg] and not exceeding 14st [89kg].
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 143  Hurst, Adrian  TATTYGARE SOMETHING SPECIAL
2nd 140  Benson & Chapman  BANNVILLE
3rd 144  West, Mr Jonathan  OSTARA
4th 141  Finegan, Mrs Marie Helene  Liquid gold kingdom

30     MARE or GELDING, 4 years old, capable of carrying up to 12st 7lb [80kg]
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 148  Pearson, Ms Yvonne  QUEEN BEE
2nd 151  Wylie, Mrs Lyndsey  UPTOWN GIRL
3rd 149  Smyth, Ms James  BANNVIEW SNAPDRAGON
4th 147  Kerr, Mr Olaf  CASTLEVIEWS GEE APOLLO

31     MARE or GELDING, 4 or 5 years old, not exceeding 158cms.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 164  Scott, Mr Philip  SCT LE BIJOU DE REVE
2nd 161  P&S Horses  FRENCHFORT LUX GOLD
3rd 158  Louhglin, Mr Patrick J  THE PICKPOCKET
4th 154  Crozier, Miss Alison  Mastermind
5th 153  Corrigan, Mr Willie  THE MASTERS MISTRESS
6th 156  Lambert, Clare  MONATREA ADAM

32     MARE or GELDING, 6 years old and over, not exceeding 158cms.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 172  Lewis, Mr Michael  CARNSDALE IRISH TIMES
2nd 170  Gibson, Miss Hilary  TOBER GILL CLASSIC FELIX
3rd 173  McMahon, K  INIS FAITH
4th 174  O’Rourke, Ms Sarah  ROCKSTAR ROSIE
5th 175  Rawluk, Mr Daniel  MIRROR MAN
6th 169  Finlay, Miss Kerry  Shanbally Ronaldo

33     MARE or GELDING, 5 years old or over, capable of carrying over 14st [89kg].
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 186  Ormedilla, Miss Victoria  Master Flint
2nd 183  Hagan, Mr John  MR KINGSLEY
3rd 179  Benson & Chapman  KILCLORAN
4th 181  Chauvin, Christine  MY BILLY OCEAN
5th 185  McNamara, Miss Maria  Shanbally Huntsman
6th 180  Carter, Mr Chris  CLOONAN HECTOR

34     MARE or GELDING, 5 years old or over, capable of carrying 12st 7lb [80kg] and not exceeding 14st [89kg]
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 206  Tierney Mrs Daphne  BLOOMFIELD BESPOKE
2nd 203  Ramm, Mrs Vanessa Jane  Testarosso
3rd 202  Producer-Show Horses  ANNAGHMORE HUNTSMAN
4th 195  Hennessy Ruane, Miss Helena  Cloneyhea Clancy
5th 200  McDonnell, Mr Angus  STATESMAN
6th 207  Wallace, Mr Trevor  O BROGAIN

35     MARE or GELDING, 5 years old or over, capable of carrying up to 12st 7lb [80kg].
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 227  Producer-Show Horses  MAN OF HONOUR
2nd 231  Wallace, Mr Trevor  GOLD MINE
3rd 223  O’Gorman, Mrs Janeith  REDWOOD SILVER SLIPPER
4th 213  Glenn, Mrs Suzanne  Ballylimp bob
5th 210  Benson & Chapman  DANDY MAN
6th 208  Ballykelly Sport Horses  BALLYKELLY EMPRESS

S25     CHAMPION PRIZES, £300 and £150- for the Champion and Reserve Champion Hunter. Presented by Creightons of Finaghy.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 206  Tierney Mrs Daphne  BLOOMFIELD BESPOKE
Res 227  Producer-Show Horses  MAN OF HONOUR

S26     THE ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP- for the best Hunter. Presented by Miss A D P McCammon, Holywood, in memory of all ranks of the Regiment who fell in the 1939-45 War.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 143  Hurst, Adrian  TATTYGARE SOMETHING SPECIAL
Res 148  Pearson, Ms Yvonne  QUEEN BEE

S28     THE PEARL CREIGHTON TROPHY – for the highest placed ridden Hunter horse, bred by exhibitor and continuously owned by the exhibitor up to the time of entry.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 203  Ramm, Mrs Vanessa Jane  Testarosso

COB Classes
39     COB, MARE or GELDING, [lightweight], 4 years old or over, not exceeding 155cms, capable of carrying up to 14st [89kg]
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 283  McAteer, Mr Samuel A  RANDALSTOWN RAFFLES
2nd 286  Morrow, Robert  MORROWS POACHER JACK
3rd 287  Producer-Show Horses  MR BEAR
4th 276  Gault, Mrs Sharon  THE HUNKY DONKEY
5th 282  Louhglin, Mr Patrick J  HUNTINGTOWN
6th 292  Smyth, Mrs Audrey  VINCENT VAN COB

40     COB, MARE or GELDING, [heavyweight], 4 years old or over, not exceeding 155cms, capable of carrying over 14st [89kg].
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 307  Morrow, Robert  MORROW’S STREET WISE
2nd 311  Smyth, Mrs Audrey  SOCK ET SET
3rd 310  Sloan, Mr Gerard  CHAMPAGNE AGEN
4th 313  Walker, Miss Claire  BURKES BLACK JACK
5th 303  McAteer, Mr Samuel A  RANDALSTOWN REFLECTION
6th 301  Gillespie, Mrs Mandy  ASH HILL SMOOTHIE
41     MAXI COB, MARE or GELDING, 4 years old or over, exceeding 155cms, to be judged as Cobs. To be shown with hogged mane.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 319  Farley, Miss Allison  BENEDICTION
2nd 314  Anstey, Mrs Lindy  OFF THE ISLAND
3rd 317  Curran, Miss Ruth  BALLYORGAN MISTER DARCY
4th 318  Delaney, Miss Louise  MIGHTY MARTY
5th 322  Wylie, Mrs Lyndsey  TOMMIE TUCKER
6th 323  Zichova, Dagmar  CODY
S30     CHAMPION PRIZES £50 and £25- for the Champion and Reserve Champion Cob. Presented by the Society.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
SP 283  McAteer, Mr Samuel A  RANDALSTOWN RAFFLES
Res 307  Morrow, Robert  MORROW’S STREET WISE

COLOURED HORSES
42     MARE or GELDING, 4 years old or over, exceeding 148cms, to be ridden by riders who have attained their 16th birthday by 1st January in the current year.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 335  Robb, Mrs Lynsey  GLENVINE CREG-NY-BAA
2nd 329  Gransha Equestrian Centre  HELEN’S GYPSY
3rd 336  Rodgers, Mrs Meg  TEESHAN’S BLUE
4th 338  Stewart, Miss Nicola  WOODQUARTER WHY NOT
5th 327  Donaldson, Mrs Yvette  ANIMATION
6th 333  Murray, Miss Beth  Kit N Kaboodle

BROODMARES
14     BROOD MARE, [lightweight], thoroughbred and non thoroughbred entered in their respective stud book, certified to foal in 2017 or with foal at foot. All foals to be led.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 37  Howard, Paula  SLATEQUARRY SASHA
2nd 38  Roche, Mr John  ASSAGART TRAVELLING SOLO
3rd 40  Wafer, Mr Patrick  PARKMORE EVITA
4th 39  Stewart, Mrs Susan  CREWHILL MYSTERY GIRL

17     Filly foal. Progeny or mare in class 14 & 15. All foals to be led [no entry fee].
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 8  Hanna Messrs  MACFIN SWEET MELODY

18     REGISTERED IRISH DRAUGHT MARE, certified to foal in 2017 or with foal at foot. All foals to be led.
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 50  Roche, Mr John  ASAGUARD KINGSTEAD FIONA
2nd 45  Derryronane Stud  STRICTLY COME BOUNCING
3rd 47  Doyle, Mr David  DERRADDA MIST
4th 44  Colhoun, Mr Sean  LADY STARDUST
5th 48  Maguire, Miss Joanne  UIBH FHALIE DUCHESS

19     Pure bred colt or filly in class 18. All foals to be led [no entry fee].
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 50  Roche, Mr John  ASAGUARD KINGSTEAD FIONA
2nd 48  Maguire, Miss Joanne  UIBH FHALIE DUCHESS
3rd 47  Doyle, Mr David  DERRADDA MIST

20     Half bred colt or filly in class 18. All foals to be led [no entry fee].
Prize Cat. No Cat. Name Details
1st 45  Derryronane Stud  STRICTLY COME BOUNCING

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) today launched the 149^th Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank. This year’s Show will provide an exciting mix of food, farming excellence and showmanship alongside an exhilarating entertainment schedule from 10^th – 13^th May 2017.

With many new additions to the Show, news of a fourth day is proving the most highly anticipated development. Rhonda Geary, RUAS Operations Director commented “We are very excited to bring our amazing Show offering to a fourth day, on a Saturday, which has been called for, for many years. The four days of the Show will include all that is brilliant about Balmoral, grassroots agriculture alongside a mix of shopping, entertainment and attractions. We are delighted to see a marked increase in many livestock sectors including equine and beef, and are looking forward to a full house in May competing for prestigious Balmoral titles”.

Richard Donnan, Head of Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank, said at the launch “As we mark our 9^th year as principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show, Ulster Bank is proud of its continued partnership with one of the biggest events in Northern Ireland’s calendar. The Balmoral Show gives us the perfect platform to showcase our support for the agri-food industry and we want to let farmers and producers know that our expert teams are here to provide them with real and meaningful help for what matters as they continue to manage risk and seek out new opportunities.

Sponsoring the Show symbolises the key role that Ulster Bank plays in helping the sector develop and succeed – connecting with our customers, engaging with them, and highlighting the significant funding we have available. We look forward to welcoming visitors over the course of the four days and to a very successful Balmoral Show 2017.”

While the Year of Food and Drink has passed, its legacy remains and food is top of the agenda at the Show. The NI Food Pavilion will showcase over 100 local producers with 50 chefs cooking up a storm over the four days. 2017 will see the introduction of a new Health and Fitness Village which will appeal to gym buffs and outdoor adventurers alike.

A superb family day is on offer as food and fitness are served alongside farming, a jam packed entertainment programme and attractions. There will be live robotic milking served up alongside the SPAR Arena which offers a dedicated area for fun family entertainment. The Agri Pavilion provides a platform for businesses, where networking and business will be rife over the four days, complemented by impressive outdoor machinery trade stands.

Audiences around the Main Arena will be captivated by the Kangaroo Kid and his tantalising motorcycle display which will have Show goers watching through their fingers in anticipation. However if you prefer to indulge in retail therapy the Eikon Shopping Village is perfect for spending an afternoon browsing the goodies on offer.

The Downtown Radio Show Stage provides a platform for emerging and established local acts to take to the mike and provide musical entertainment. Animals are also aplenty from prize winning stock and International Show jumpers to the cute and cuddly inhabitants in the Children’s Farm and the Rare Breed Survival Trust stand. The Young Farmer’s Clubs of Ulster make a return as they encapsulate the energy and enthusiasm of the Show in their various activities from Tug of War to Tractor Handling.

The Healthy Horticulture Area at this year’s Balmoral Show will be a crowning glory. A revision of the Garden Village, the area has increased in size and scope. There will be a polytunnel with growing displays of fruit, vegetable and herbs as well as the Horticulture Forum’s ‘Grow Marquee’, housing local growers of apples, strawberries, mushrooms and cut flowers.

The Mighty Spud campaign will be in attendance bringing with them their Couch Potato chill out area as well as sampling freshly cooked produce. Greenmount College students will be planting a number of displays throughout the event and award winning former student Jonathan Gill will be building a feature show garden. Ulster in Bloom will also be creating a floral display giving visitors a sneak peak of some of the colourful exhibits ahead of this year’s competition.

The area will also feature displays of sports turfs, garden design, school gardens, scarecrows, miniature gardens, YFCU floral art and the RSPB, Ulster Wildlife and Ulster Bee Keepers will be in attendance. The Balmoral Park Wildlife Area will also be available to view with its wildflowers and bird boxes providing a tranquil natural area away from the bustle of the Show.

Rhonda concluded saying “We are indebted to our sponsors especially our over arching sponsor Ulster Bank and our five platinum sponsors Lidl, M&S, SPAR, Tesco and ABP.” She also commented that use of public transport was advisable and informed Show goers that details can be found on the Translink website.

Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank takes place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn between Wednesday 10th and Saturday 13th May 2017. Opening times are 9.30am – 6pm (Wed, Fri and Sat) and 9.30am – 8.00pm (Thurs). Admission charges range from £2 to £18 with discounted early bird rates available on our website. Children under 5 years are free when accompanied by an adult.

To keep up to date with the new four day 2017 Balmoral Show, check out our website balmoralshow.co.uk, Facebook: Balmoral Show and Twitter: @balmoralshow.

Jennifer Larkin with her horse Tullybawn rides along with Hannah Mackey 9yrs on her pony Brynoffa Jonquil pictured at the RDS during the launch of this years Dublin Horse Show, which takes place on Wednesday, July 20th to Sunday, July 24th. Now in its 143rd year, is one of the most prestigious and enduring events in the Irish equestrian calendar attracting crowds of over 100,000 across the 5 day event. For more information Visit www.dublinhorseshow.com. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD officially launched the Dublin Horse Show today June 15th at the RDS, Dublin.

The participation of many Rio-bound gold medal hopefuls at this year’s Dublin Horse Show means a change from the traditional August dates to July 20-24 for this summer institution. Despite the earlier date, the same great combinations will be on offer: International show jumping and the stylish Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day, family entertainment and the best in Irish craft, as well as good food, great shopping and a social occasion like no other.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD officially launched the Show:

“After 143 years the Dublin Horse Show continues to be Ireland’s leading equestrian event drawing up to 100,000 horse enthusiasts and visitors from home and overseas. The show provides a full event programme which is being extended every year, ensuring there is something new for everyone and 2016 is no exception. This year is an Olympic year and carries with it the added excitement of witnessing up close Irish and international riders who will be bidding for gold in Rio.  I wish everyone taking part in the event every success and hope that those attending, whether from near or from far, enjoy the five days of sport, entertainment and Irish hospitality.”

From July 20 -24 the RDS showgrounds will host Olympic hopefuls who participate in the 14 international competitions. Last year Ireland won the coveted Aga Khan Trophy as part of the Furusiyya FEI Nations’ Cup™ series; Antrim-based Egyptian rider Sameh el Dahan cleared 2.20m to win the Land Rover Puissance; while American Kent Farrington went one better to win the valuable Longines Grand Prix. As always, the international riders will be warming up around the showgrounds next to competitors, young and old, who compete in the many national competitions for whom the Dublin Horse Show is the annual pinnacle.

Michael Duffy, RDS Chief Executive commented: “The last time we moved to July for the Show was in 1992 for the Barcelona Olympics. That year Ireland won the Aga Khan trophy so we hope that it’s a good omen. The Horse Show was originally founded to encourage and promote the Irish sport horse industry, as one part of the RDS philanthropic aims, and this continues to be the primary purpose, providing Irish breeders and producers with an international platform to showcase the very best of Irish sport horses. Equestrianism is just one of the areas that we specialise in, and we work in science, the arts, industry and agriculture throughout the year.”

One of the premier style events of the summer, the Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day takes place on Thursday July 21 and this year has a brilliant prize of a €10,000 shopping voucher for the Centre. Thursday has been known as Ladies’ Day for well over 100 years at the RDS and this is the second year of sponsorship by Dundrum Town Centre. Gents won’t be left out with ‘Best Dressed Man’ competition sponsored by Louis Copeland.Other prize categories include the ‘Great Lengths Most Creative Hat’ and ‘Longines: Elegance is an Attitude’.

Speaking about the Horse Show, Head of Dublin for Fáilte Ireland, Keelin Fagan explained:

“The Dublin Horse Show is an important feature in the Dublin festival calendar demonstrating Ireland’s capacity for hosting international events. Sporting events and our ability to stage such spectacles, are a very important part of what Ireland has to offer as a destination. The Dublin Horse Show also adds to the strong event calendar which Fáilte Ireland has built up for Dublin – a calendar which allows us to pitch Dublin as a place where there is always something compelling and different to see and do.”

Rhonda Geary, RUAS Operations Director and Patrick Doody, Sales and Marketing Director, Henderson Group, owners of the SPAR franchise in Northern Ireland are pictured alongside Becky Laidlaw and Natalie Thompson from Stripey Socks Productions who are performing in the SPAR Arena. The dedicated family fun area with run over the three days of the Balmoral Show from 11th-13th May.

The RUAS are delighted that family brand and platinum sponsor SPAR are continuing their sponsorship of the SPAR arena at Balmoral Show 2016.  The SPAR Arena will showcase family entertainment and be a hub of activity as several attractions fill an exciting timetable.

This dedicated family fun area boasts an impressive lineup with a variety of acts including exciting displays from the NI School of Falconry, Tim Crothers demonstrating gun dog skills and the kids favourite Bruce Airhead

Located beside the SPAR Arena will be SPAR’s enjoy local marquee.  The marquee will house a play area for young children and provide show-goers with the opportunity to sample SPAR’s new enjoy local meat range.

The Balmoral Show will also act as the launch pad for a new range of SPAR enjoy local meats.  Working with the award winning Ballymena butchers K&G McAtamney, a hassle free, straight to oven, enjoy local meat range has been selected that’s perfect for the grill or BBQ.

Local chef Paula McIntyre has teamed up with SPAR Northern Ireland to host cookery demonstrations at the SPAR enjoy local marquee at the Balmoral Show each day from 2pm to 3pm.

SPAR’s fully-functioning pop-up store can also be found at the Show this year, situated at the corner of Park Central West and Barbour Avenue, Show where visitors can enjoy fresh sandwiches, coffee, tea and muffins to keep energy levels up over the three day spectacular.

Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at the Henderson Group, owners of the SPAR franchise in Northern Ireland commented;

“SPAR are delighted to have taken ownership of the SPAR arena at Balmoral Show 2016 for a second consecutive year where we have an exciting line up of family fun activity planned.

We very much look forward to welcoming all visitors to the Balmoral Show to our dedicated SPAR Arena, SPAR Pop-up Shop and enjoy local marquee.”

To keep up to date with 2016 Balmoral Show News check out our website www.balmoralshow.co.uk, Facebook: Balmoral Show and Twitter: @balmoralshow.

Boyd Bedding to sponsor shavings, Coloured Horses and SJ1 at Balmoral Show.

Boyd Bedding is set to sponsor at Balmoral Show 2016, providing their Blue Frog wood shavings for all the stables.  In addition they will sponsor the Coloured Horses class and the Bluefrog 6/7 Year Old Championship (SJ1).  Rhonda Geary, RUAS Operations Director commented “We are excited to welcome Boyd Bedding as sponsors at Balmoral Show.  They are a premier bedding company which fits well with our esteemed equestrian section at the Show”.  The SJ1 happens on the opening Wednesday morning of the Show with the Coloured Horses class taking place at 5.15pm that evening.

Speaking on the new sponsorship Stacey Moss, Boyd Bedding, remarked “Boyd Bedding are very excited to be sponsoring the prestigious Balmoral Show.  We look forward to meeting clients both old and new.  It is great to be a part of and be able to promote our Blue Frog wood shavings at such a well recognised Show.”

To keep up to date with 2016 Balmoral Show News check out our website www.balmoralshow.co.uk, Facebook: Balmoral Show and Twitter: @balmoralshow.

Photo Caption: Show jumper Jonathan Smyth looks on as Kathryn Williamson RUAS, welcomes Stacey Moss from Boyd Bedding on board as Balmoral Show sponsor.  Balmoral Show will run from 11^th-13^th May at Balmoral Park.

Knotts bakery sponsor Young Event Horse Class at Balmoral Show

With eight weeks until Balmoral Show, national showjumping qualifiers kick of this Saturday 19th March at Cavan Equestrian Centre. Rhonda Geary, RUAS Operations Director commented “We are looking forward to another year of superb national showjumping, and to welcoming the qualifying combinations to Balmoral Show over the 11th-13th May”.

National competitions are restricted to those who have pre-qualified. Seven horse/athlete combinations will qualify in each category – 5 year old championship, 6/7 year old championship, 1.35m championship and the amateur championship.

The National Showjumping Qualifiers are on the following dates:

Saturday 19th March – Cavan Equestrian Centre
Saturday 2nd April – Iveagh Showjumpers at Meadows Equestrian Centre
Saturday 9th April – Connell Hill Equestrian Centre
Saturday 16th April – Causeway Coast Community Showjumping at the Bowl Arena, Portrush.

Athletes may not qualify more than two horses in any national competition except the amateur class where they may only qualify one horse.

For more information visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk or contact Katy Saunders on 0771 4771 964 or katysji@gmail.com.
The 148th Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank will return to Balmoral Park from Wednesday 11th May until Friday 13th May 2016.1

Results

30cms

1^st Bethany Gordon – Dillion

2^nd Ella Lyndsey – Toffo

3^rd Grace Hancock – William

50cms

1^st Ella Lynsdey- Toffo

2^nd Anna Jackson – Thor

3^rd Eva McClurg – Dunshane Prince Charming

4^th Toby Davison – Jake

5^th Katelyn Irvine – Pedro

6^th Jena Reid – Beau

60cms

1^st Bethany Gordon – Dillion

2^nd Anna Jackson – Thor

3^rd Ellie Johnston – Dapple

4^th Lauren Hill – Lemon

5^th Eva McClurg – Cadlan Valley Caradog

6^th Toby Davison – Jake

70cms

1^st Eva McClurg – cadlan Valley Caradog

2^nd Ellie Johnston – Dapple

3^rd Ellie Nesbitt – Suzy

4^th Felicity McConnell- Willow

5^th Katelyn Irvine – Pedro

6^th Samantha billings- Sammy

80cm

1^st Eva McClurg – Galloon Ceol

2^nd Samantha Billings – Sammy

3^rd Felicity McConnell – Change of heart

4^th Bethany Gordon – Danny

5^th Leah Kirk – French Connection

1metre class

1^st Jessica McConnell – Finding Nemo

Horses

60cm novice

1^st Mandy Haveron – Harry

2^nd Lynsey Clarke – Nay Goats Toe

3^rd Elaine Leinster – Greystone Golden Lady

4yr old

1^st Lisa Dundee – Three C’s

70cm

1^st Libby Beggs – Pennisland Rebel

2^nd Jenn Moore – Oliver

3^rd Penny Murphy – Bella

4^th Ian McCluggage – Cruzy

5^th Clare Liddle – Ballytrim Molly

6^th Sarah Sproule – Ballyfarna Prince

Small Hunter 80-90cms

1^st Samantha Dale – Pennans Lady Mourne

2^nd Debbie McNeill – OB

3^rd Lisa Dundee – Three C’s

4^th Sarah Sproule – Willowdean Springwalker

5^th Ian McCluggage – Hailey

6^th Megan Norton – Hathaway

80cms

1^st Ciara White – Stephen Sunn

2^nd Megan Norton – Hathaway

3^rd Helen Faulkner – Carter

4^th Ian McCluggage – Ebony

5^th Rhonda McIllroy – Eltons Delight

6^th Shelley Boyle – Rushvale Ready to Rock

90cms

1^st Samantha Dale – Pennans Lady Mourne

2^nd Andrew Getty – Callum

3^rd Victoria Clarke – Max

4^th  Vicki Morton – Trigger

5^th  Ian McCluggage – Hailey

6^th  Ian Jones – Ebony

40cms
Trophy Winner: Charlotte McAlister, Timmy
Medal Winners: Hannah Robinson, Tigger; Aimee Weir, Star; Pierce Blair, Poppy Rocket; Sasha Bain, Knock your socks off

50cms
Trophy Winner: Niamh Duncan, Maverick
Medal Winners: Thomas Patton, Smurf; Pierce Blair, Poppy Rocket; Brooke Istiaque, Biscuit; Freya McClenaghan, Luke; Aimee Weir, Star

60cms (no spreads)
Trophy Winner: Thomas Patton, Smurf
Medal Winner: Freya McClenaghan, Mossy; Jersey Magill, Indie; Kristie Wilson, Harry; Niamh Duncan, Maverick; Catherine Allen, Ceasar; Sam Jackson, Jack; Brooke Istiaque, Biscuit

60cms
1st & Trophy Shannon Crothers, Mr Darcy
2nd Kristie Wilson, Harry
3rd Chelsea Topping, Mini Me
4th Catherine Allen, Ceasar
5th Anna Jackson, Cornetto
6th Ross McCullough, Scooner

70cms
1st & Trophy Tyler Houston, Percy
2nd Demi Blair, Poppy
3rd Myah McClean, Justice
4th Shannon Crothers, Mr Darcy
5th Anna Jackson, Sammy
6th Molly Craig, Paddy

80cms
1st & Trophy Tyler Houston, Percy
2nd Braidie Hogg, Sam
3rd Emma Ewing, Buck Rodgers
4th Myah McClean, Justice
5th Lucy Silby, Hidden Talent
6th Jodie McHugh, Rocky

90cms
1st & Trophy Katie Lee Houston, Minto
2nd Glenn Davis, Flash
3rd Nicola McClelland, Supreme Heights
4th Lucy Silby, Hidden Talent
5th Sarah Bailie, Star Diva
6th Hollie Riddell, Rock Steady Eddie

1M
1st & Trophy Alison McClean, Shi
2nd Katie Lee Houston, Minto
3rd Nicola McClelland, Supreme Heights
4th Vicky Morton, Trigger
5th Steven Wilson, Smurf
6th Hollie Riddell, Rock Steady Eddie

Lead Rein
1st & Trophy Daniel Jackson, Thor
2nd Lucas Young, Toby

First Ridden
1st & Trophy Sam Jackson, Thor
2nd Freya McClenaghan, Luke
3rd Sophie McAlister, Angus

Family Pony Lead Rein
1st & Trophy Lucas Young, Toby
2nd Charlotte McAlister, Timmy
3rd Annabelle Manson, Barney

Family Pony First Ridden
1st & Trophy Lucy Bailie, Riverdale Lad

Ridden M&M
1st & Trophy Chelsea Topping, Toddie
2nd Anna Jackson, Cornetto

Ridden Show Hunter / Show Pony
1st & Trophy Anna Jackson, Thor
2nd Sophie McAlister, Angus

Ridden Hunter
1st & Trophy Claire Liddle, Ballytrim Molly
2nd Gillian Steenson, Splash Dance
3rd Kristie Lee McKnight, Pinecroft Elite
4th Anne Hill, Chestnuthill

Ridden Cob
1st & Trophy Barbara Jones, Bellahill Aurora
2nd Sasha Bain, Knock your socks off

Riding Horse
1st & Trophy Daryl McKinney, Ballylin Ben
2nd Anne Hill, Chestnut Hill

Coloured Riding Horse
1st & Trophy Ellie Dickson, Pinecroft Bergamo
2nd Leeann Radcliffe, Inca
3rd Christine Cunningham, Bebe
4th Shauna Purdy, Lucy

Racehorse to Riding Horse
1st & Trophy Sammy Workman, Tic Tac Sally

If you would like to get in touch with us, please email info@equestriannewsni.co.uk and we will reply on our return.

Thank you for your continued readership as we promote and report on equestrian activities of interest to the local equestrian community.

Grace Maxwell Murphy on her Connemara pony mare Thiergartenhof’s Larissa at Furbo Beach for the launch of the Connemara Pony Festival which take place in Clifden from August 16-23

Clifden, the capital of Connemara, will once again host the famous Connemara Pony Festival from Sunday 16th to Sunday 23rd August. Visitors and ponies will flock to the town to experience this amazing festival celebrating the Connemara pony. For the first time the festival will feature an art trail with a number of paintings of Connemara ponies on display in shop windows in the town.

The opening event of the festival is the Show Queen competition taking place in the Station House Theatre on Sunday evening where the Connemara

Pony Show Queen will be crowned. In recent years the bus tour visiting studs in Connemara has become increasingly popular with overseas visitors and this year it will run over two days. On Monday the tour will travel from Clifden towards Letterfrack and Renvyle and on Tuesday it will travel from Cashel to Ballyconneely.

Tuesday is International day and the ICCPS AGM will take place in the morning followed by a memorial service for deceased friends. A linear profiling workshop will follow this. On Tuesday evening the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel will host the International reception where the Danish and Swedish Societies will be presented with perpetual trophies for their national shows to celebrate their jubilee anniversaries. Tom MacLochlainn, President of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, said: “We take the opportunity this year of celebrating the golden jubilees of both Societies. The Jubilee Cups being presented to them are but small tokens of gratitude for over fifty years of trade, tourism and enduring friendships. It is amazing how cultural, social, religious and linguistic barriers never even appeared as ‘An Capaillín’ gave us common ground. It is an incredible story and, in welcoming our visitors from all over the globe, we extend a very special ‘céad mile fáilte’ to our Scandinavian friends.”

The highlight of the festival is the Connemara Pony Show now running over three days and commencing on Wednesday morning. The first class of the day is the Four Year Old Performance Mare Championship featuring an attractive €5,000 prize fund sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland. On Wednesday afternoon Emma Massingale, who recently spent a month on an island off Connemara with her Connemara ponies, will give a demonstration. The Green Hunter and three year old loose jumping finals will also take place on Wednesday.

Thursday features in-hand classes, ridden classes, dog show, Irish dancing, Séan Nós dancing, domestic arts and best dressed lady competition. The winner of the best dressed lady competition will receive a €500 voucher to spend in Millars Connemara or the Design Platform. The runner-up will receive a Newbridge Rose Gold watch from the Celtic Shop. Dubarry are sponsoring the most appropriately dressed lady who will win a pair of Dubarry Galway boots. Hehirs of Clifden will present the most stylish gentleman with a Jack Murphy jacket worth €250.

Working hunter classes start on Friday morning with the High Performance final and Puissance competition taking place in the afternoon. The show will culminate with a Parade of Champions and BBQ and live music in the Station House Courtyard. Main sponsors of the show are Sweeney Oil, Galway Irish Crystal and Horse Sport Ireland.

A sale of Connemara ponies will take place in Clifden Mart on Saturday and Sunday commencing at 11am each day.

For more details and to download a brochure visit www.cpbs.ie