Sportsman Trophy shared by winner of the Sportsmans A section, Denis Currie riding Bering Straight, winner of Sportsmans B class Sarah Moore and Shameless, and sportsman C winner Ruth Wilson and Home Alone City – photo: Sporting Images NI

The Northern Region of Eventing Ireland held a very successful Awards Ball at La Mon House Hotel last week end which was attended by almost 400 competitors, sponsors, supporters, owners, breeders and landowners. It was certainly a major Gala Event which promoted and celebrated the many achievements of its members.

Georgia Stubington, Chair of Eventing Ireland, took to the stage to present the Awards, a full list of which is detailed below.

Undoubtedly, the most surprised recipient was Jon Champion who received ‘ The Bright Outlook Memorial Trophy’ which Nicky Nesbitt and her husband, Richard, award annually to the person whom they regard best embraces the Sportsman criteria and ethos. Jon certainly fulfilled this criteria, being a regular Sportsman competitor who is always on hand to provide help and support to fellow competitors .

Gina Johnston won the Irwin Cup for ‘Valentino Red’ the owner-bred horse gaining best placings at Northern Region Events; Steven Smith won the CNC* on ‘Bonito’ also owned by Gina Johnston. Steven also won the Northern Region Leading Rider Trophy. They are picture with Steven’s daughter Hollie. Photo: Sporting Images NI

The Roy Pugh Memorial Prize for the most deserving groom, as chosen by Ruth Eyre-Pugh from nominations submitted was awarded this year to Rebecca Nickels, who is kept extremely busy grooming and taking care of the horses from two very busy yards, Emma Jackson/Colin Halliday and Joanne Jarden.

The magnificent efforts of the Junior Eventing Team who won a gold medal at the European Championships at Jardy were also acknowledged as Northern Region team member, Harold Megahey, was presented with a photo frame. Suzi Berry was also presented with a photo frame in recognition of her superb performance as an individual, coming a very credible 8th.

Holly Wray was honoured for her selection for the Pony Eventing Championships in Arizzo, Italy while the efforts and achievements of Clare Abbott, Joseph Murphy and Jim Newsam were also acknowledged for their representational selection for Malmo.

There was a very successful Auction, compered by Raymond Brady as well as a ballot of many items. The Northern Region is deeply indebted to all those who provided auction and ballot items:, Tommy Bowe, Rolltack, Paula Jewiss of Kids Equestrian, Old School House Inn, Comber, Greig Senior, Horsefirst, Tattersalls International Horse Trials, Ballindenisk International Horse Trials, Scarvagh House, Aidan Keogh of Tredstep, Eventing Ireland, Iveagh Hunt, Equestrian Farm Feeds, Clare Abbott, Neil Dickson, La Mon House Hotel, Carolyn Perkins, Blue Grass Horse Feeds, G & N Equipment Sales, Mount Mills Flax Oil.

Moore Sisters, Jayne Moore won the Pre-Novice; Sarah Moore won Sportsmans B and Kathryn Graham won the U25CNC* Photo: Sporting Images NI

The Bizz, as always, provided excellent music and revellers continued to enjoy the occasion well into the following day.

Photographs on the evening were taken by Sporting Images and can be viewed on their website www.sportingimagesni.com

Please note that next year’s Ball will take place on Saturday 22 November – please put that date in your diaries!

FULL RESULTS

JUNIPER GREEN & KELLS TROPHY.

Given to the Society by Georgia Stubington as a tribute to her two great mares. Presented annually to the ‘Eventing Mare’ gaining best placings at Northern Region Events.

Rebecca Nickels who grooms for Joanne Jarden, Emma Jackson and Colin Halliday received the Roy Pugh Memorial Groom’s Award. She is pictured with riders Colin Halliday and Emma Jackson Photo: Sporting Images NI

WINTERFOLD IVY OWNED BY GEORGIA STUBINGTON & RIDDEN BY JUSTINE HARDING

IRWIN TROPHY.

Given to the Society by the Coleraine Branch of Riding for the Disabled in memory of Mr & Mrs Irwin. Presented annually to the ‘Owner-Bred’ horse gaining best placings at Northern Region Events.

VALENTINO RED OWNED & BRED BY GINA JOHNSON & RIDDEN BY JOHNNY MULLIGAN

RUGS

Presented to horses registered in the Northern Region with highest places at Northern Region One-Day events.

CNC*** WINNER

Riders from the Sportsmans classes pictured at the Eventing Ireland Northern Region Awards Ball Photo: Sporting Images NI

SPORTSFIELD OTHELLO OWNED & RIDDEN BY JOSEPH MURPHY

CNC** WINNER

SEAPATRICK CRUISE CAVALIER OWNED BY BRITT MEGAHEY & RIDDEN BY JOSEPH MURPHY

CNC* WINNER [also the Hodgkinson Silver Goblet]

CNC* BONITO OWNED BY GINA JOHNSON & RIDDEN BY STEVEN SMITH

U25 CNC* WINNER

LADAKHAS GUY OWNED & RIDDEN BY KATHRYN GRAHAM

PRE-NOVICE WINNER [also the Hodgkinson Rose Bowl]

LISA’S DREAM OWNED BY SARAH MOORE & RIDDEN BY JAYNE MOORE

INTRO WINNER

MJI DYNAMIS OWNED & RIDDEN BY JOANNE JARDEN

CNCJ* WINNER

CARDY SPRING OWNED BY LEISHA O’DOHERTY & RIDDEN BY LEAH JACKSON

JUNIOR C WINNER

DROMBANE DANCER OWNED BY GRAHAM MCINTYRE & RIDDEN BY JESSICA MCINTYRE

SPORTSMAN TROPHY – Shared by:

Sportsman A – BERING STRAIT OWNED & RIDDEN BY DENIS CURRIE

Sportsman B – SHAMELESS OWNED & RIDDEN BY SARAH MOORE

Sportsman C – HOME ALONE CITY OWNED & RIDDEN BY RUTH WILSON

SPORTSMANS TROPHY– THE BRIGHT OUTLOOK MEMORIAL TROPHY- To be awarded to the Eventing Ireland (NR) Sportsman of the Year Presented by Richard and Nicky Nesbitt.

To be decided by them regardless of points or league placings it will be awarded to whoever they deem to be the person who embraces the Sportsmans criteria and ethos.

WINNER 2013- JON CHAMPION

CNCP**

HOLIDAY CHASE OWNED BY NICHOLA WRAY AND RIDDEN BY HOLLY WRAY

CNCP* (also the ‘Mission Accomplished’ trophy kindly donated in 2010 by Elizabeth McMillan)

WINTERFOLD IVY OWNED BY GEORGIA STUBINGTON & RIDDEN BY JUSTINE HARDING

PONY C

YOGI BEAR OWNED BY GILLIAN LAMONT & RIDDEN BY LUCY LAMONT

THE SILVER FOX TROPHY- ‘PONY OF THE YEAR’ kindly donated in 2011 by the Brown Family

Presented to the NR registered pony with the highest placing at Tattersalls International Horse Trials CNCP** in 2013.

WINNER 2013 – G MAHA OWNED BY VINA BULLER & RIDDEN BY SOPHIE BULLER

PESCETTO FRIENDSHIP TROPHY.

Given to the society by the friends of Sarah Pescetto and awarded annually to the most improved Junior rider.

WINNER 2013 – JEMMA PARKHILL

HANNA TROPHY

Presented to the Northern Region rider (over eighteen years of age) who accumulates most points throughout the year at Northern region events on a single horse.

Riders who have competed at two star level or higher are not eligible.

WINNER 2013- Denis Currie riding Bering Strait

LEADING RIDER TROPHY – the rider who accumulates most points with his/her horses at Northern Region Events (not including Internationals)

WINNER 2013 -Steven Smith

BELLE CANNA TROPHY

Horse of the Year – presented to the NR horse gaining most points worldwide.

WINNER 2013 ELECTRIC CRUISE OWNED BY NOEL GOOD, ANNETTE O’CALLAGHAN & MICHELLE NELSON. RIDDEN BY JOSEPH MURPHY

THE ROY-PUGH MEMORIAL – A GROOM’S AWARD.

WINNER 2013 – Rebecca Nickels (groom to both Emma Jackson and Joanne Jarden)

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