There were seven qualifying places in each of the four classes and competitors had to work really hard to secure the top placings and the coveted ‘passports’ to the new venue at Balmoral Park.

The Amateur class was first to go with 55 starters. With 20 of those having a clear first round, it was fast  and furious in the jump-off. In the end, the class was won by a very cool headed combination, Dean Cotton and his own 11 year old gelding, Coolda Castaway, who stopped the clock almost 1.5 seconds ahead of second placed Lisa Spratt riding Harper’s Diamond.

Enniskillen’s Catherine Thornton secured victory in the 5 year old class on Galway Bay Easy Touch, a gelding owned jointly by Catherine and Alan Robertson, sired by Prince Des Vaux out of a Touch Stone dam.  They had almost a one second margin over Tom Hearne who claimed both second and third spots on mares owned by Mary McAllistair and Ryan O’Neill.

There was an impressive line-up of almost 40 starters in the 6/7 year old class where James Hogg topped the leader board for the second year in a row – this time on his and Edgar Hogg’s Therapeutic – a mare by Ard VDL Douglas out of a Western Promise dam. This combination had already qualified. James also took 2^nd place in the class on another Ard VDL Douglas protégé, Always on My Mind.

Light was fading fast for the final qualifying class, the 1.30m but the efficiency of the starter ensured that the competition was finished before darkness descended. It was a class where glory went to the Young Riders of our region. They delivered the only two double clears of the competition. Shannon Mackenzie from Randalstown took the top spot with her mother’s Heartbreaker-sired gelding, Peyroux while Luke Campbell finished in runner-up spot on David Campbell’s Derryinver Luxury cruise, an eight year old stallion by Lux Z out of a Cruising mare.

Meantime, Arena two was also kept busy with over 170 entries spanning classes from 90cms through to1.20m. A high standard of jumping was maintained throughout and both arenas finished around 8pm.

Iveagh Showjumpers would like to thank the McCusker family for the use of the superb facilities at The Meadows as well as all the Officials who helped on the day. Thanks, too, to all of the competitors who supported the Show. Good Luck to all those who will be taking on the challenge of Balmoral next month.

Photographs were taken by Lawrence and Heather McKenzie and can be viewed on their website, www.lawrencemckenzie.com

Meantime, registered jumping continues at the Meadows each Saturday starting at 9.30am. Enquiries to Winnie on 07846353391.

Full Results

RUAS Qualifiers – Arena 1

Amateurs

1. Dean Cotton, Coolda Castaway 2. Lisa Spratt, Harpers Diamond 3. Amy Munroe, Forthill Sharamai 4. Martin Wilson, Hermes Diamond 5. Jane Allen, Cavalier Andy 6. Kenneth Rush, Arbois O 7. Philip White, Fabregas

5 Year Old

1. Catherine Thornton, Galway Bay Easy Touch 2. Tom Hearne, Rock on Ruby 3. Tom Herne, Hermes Royale 4. Charlene Clingan, Ardtana Flash Forward 5. Catherine Robinson, Lougherne Built To Last 6. Lucy Gibson, Alda Luck 7. Tom Hearne, Casimira

6/7 Year Old

1. James Hogg, Therapeutic 2. James Hogg, Always on my Mind 3. Dermott Lennon, Calgot Hero 4. Richard Smyth, Somme 5. Zoe Woods, Without Permission 6. Simon Scott, Carnonybridge Diva 7. Shannon Mackenzie, Bens Lady Lux 8. Luke Campbell, Trebra Douglas

1.30m

1. Shannon Mackenzie, Peyroux 2. Luke Campbell, Deryinver Luxury Cruise 3. Carol Armstrong, Cornascriebe Cava Diamond 4. Eric Smyth, Tullybroom Cruise Hill 5. Kirsty Dunlop, C U 2 6. Frank Curran, I Kan 7. Tracey Gallagher, Any Questions

Arena 2

90cms

1= Stephen Gibson, Cavalier Knight, Rachel McKimmon, Daenerys, Catherine Thornton, Cassan,  David Conlon, Hanslough, Catherine Thornton, Graf Balouprint, Susanna McQuade, Finod Fear, Eileen Duggan, Libero Flight, Gerard Green, MMS Camilla, Lionel Johnston, The Risk, James Hogg, Knights Bridge, Rachel Armstrong, Iris McCrea, Gerard Green, Tonagh Firefox, Helen Pearson-Murray, I Aint No Lady, Liam McKee, Dundee, Gabriel Tunney, Little Beach, Debbie Newberry, Mullaghdrin Diamond Day, James Hogg, Toast, Nadine Arthur, Holy Joe, Rachel Armstrong, Lauras Echo, Peter Smyth, Beach Station

1m

1= Claire Conlon, Connamore, Aimee McKenna, Patch Mills Sportsman, Susanna McQuade, Finod Fear, Laura Phelan, Quent Veldhock, Stephen McManus, Red Bird Point, Mary McLeigh, Dunnanew Sunset, Laura Keery, Ferro Diamond, Stephen Gibson, Top Less, Amy O’Hare, Kane Flight, Rachel Armstrong, Laura’s Echo, Christine Cosgrove, Saphira, Mary Barron, Lates Magic, Claire O’Hare, Lisfarriter J, Kelda Morgan, Fidelio Vant Heike, Lynne Russell, Salsa, Lisa Patterson, Quick Smart, Richard Smyth, Ping Ball, Gavin Conlon, Alfred K, Rachel Brown, Lissyegan Cruise Dream, Brendan McSorley, Quarry Crest Clover, Kirsten Farr, Lovely Ruby, Jennifer Leeper, Pialotta, Tracey Gallagher, Portlough Clover, David Mulrine, Admiran Skipee, Ellen McCollum, Western Annie, Jonathan Goodie, King of Carrickdalison, Jaymie Smyth, Poppy Du Carel

1.10m

1= Hannah Joyce, Van Clover, Alison Irwin, Altaskin Buddy, Helen Pearson-Murray, I Aint No Tinker, Claire O’Hara, Captain Oates, Danielle Davison, Seapatrick Savanna Clover, Anita Doherty, Neat Kaleidoscope, Tara Dunne, Javas Keltic Mist, Natasha Adrain, Univar, Sophie Adrain, Diamond Lux, Sarah Kilpatrick, Georgies Star, Peter Smyth, Admiran Cassio, Shane McCloskey, Syrana, Kirsten Farr, Lovely Ruby, Joanne McKinney, Seaview Lass, Amy O’Hare, Warlady, Clare Sloan, Rose of Connaught, Jonathan Goodie, King of Carrickdawson, Jaymie Smyth, Charlton Chloe, James Bleekes, Sligo Better Value

1.20m

1= Sarah Kilpatrick, Roc Tredudon, Gareth Nethercote, Premier KD Clover, Harvey Smith, Elamo Bewitched

The Pre Novice B class was won in fine style by Hannah Blakely and Rough Terrain, who moved up one place from last week and certainly proved that they will be a force to be reckoned with when they begin their Eventing Ireland career in March.

Meantime, the Novice class, which saw victory going to Elaine O’Connor on the home bred Tullymurry Holly, was dominated by the Graham/Moore families who picked up four of the top six placings in a highly competitive class.

Suzanne Hagan repeated last week’s performance in the Intermediate class by claiming 1^st and 2^nd places.

Showjumping was also busy all day, getting underway ahead of the scheduled start time of 9.30am and continued until after 3pm. The cross country was also a hive of activity with competitors getting a double attempt through the water complex which proved extremely interesting for many of the combinations.

Due to popular demand the current series of Flexi Eventing , which is open to everyone, is being extended until Saturday 23  February with dressage entries requiring to be made with Dora (07876758979 or dorabeacom@live.co.uk) by 6pm on the Wednesday of each week. Showjumping and cross country can be entered on the day. Enquiries to Patricia on 07843590193.

The Meadows Equestrian Centre and Eventing Ireland(NR) are deeply indebted to all helpers: Secretary, course designer, judges, scribes, scorers, starters and arena party – your contribution to a very successful day is very much appreciated.

Photographs of the Flexi Eventing can be viewed on www.lawrencemckenzie.com.

Full Results

Dressage

Pre Novice A – Test BE106 – Judge: Lynne Robinson

1. Maya Boyle, Chinook Calibra 2. Neil Morrison, Rosie 3. Erin Faloona, Roundthorn Excel 4. Johnny Hagan, Dougie 5. Janice Reddy, Dream on Calypso 6. Johnny Hagan, Goldie

Pre Novice B – Test BE106 – Judge: Myra Watters

1. Hannah Blakely, Rough Terrain 2. Lauren Johnston, Thamesford 3. Colin Halliday, Creevagh Cashmere 4. Tori Dixon, Ranger 5. Lynne Ireland, Blackwood Quantum Rebel 6. Andrew Scott, Glenhill Lady

Novice – Test BE110 – Judge: Angeline Nicholson

1. Elaine O’Connor, Tullymurry Holly 2. Heather Graham, Flutterbye 3. Heather Graham, Penny Swift 4. Kathryn Graham, Ladakhas Guy 5. Jayne Moore, Blue 6. Denis Currie, Larry

Intermediate – Test BE117 – Judge: Angeline Nicholson

1. Suzanne Hagan, Conquistador 2. Suzanne Hagan, Phineas Finn 3. Beth Young, Willie Wee 4. Nicky Nesbitt, The Spymaster

Showjumping (double clears)

70cms

Kerry Magill, Flap Jack Flyer, Sian Berry, Itsy Bitsy Blue, Emma Jackson, Nero

80cms

Kayleigh Young, An Rialta Rua, Janice Reddy, Dream On Calypso, Sian Berry, Itsy Bitsy Blue, Neil Morrison, Rosie, Ryan Hopper, Brave Difference, Judith Graham, Pablo, Hannah Agnew, Zena, Caroline Delaney, Feleena, Ciara Lane, Derrymatri Fudge, Beth Parker, Lady, Nicky Nesbitt, Fuzzy Duck

90cms

Ella Boyle, Grandstown Bobby Dazzler, Ellie Parkhill, Toni, Anna Kelly, Johnny, Elaine Mason, Ruby, Ruari Clarke, Alloy, Ruari Clarke, Lenamore Mini Metro, Rachel Rendle, Colour Code Chinook, Kim Campbell, Rico, Robyn McFadden, Duracell Bunny, Rhonda Hall, Bill Little, Courtney Stuart, Betty Boo 11, Lauren Johnston, Thamesford, Judith McCarthy, Mixed Up, Katie Lyttle, Fern, Andrew Scott, Glenhill Lady, Amy Griffith, Caleb

1m

Aaron McCusker, Nobby, Pauline Tomalin, A Lot of Promise,  Anna Dillon, Zantana, Nicky Nesbitt, The Spymaster, Gillian Neil, Rafa, William Greene, Keeford, Grace Lavery, Sky Double J, Jemma Parkhill, Louis, Heather Graham, Flutterbye, Luke Campbell, Ellie, Johnny Hagan, Santa, Tori Dixon, Ranger

1.10m

Fionn Clarke, Knockroe Little Mike, Rachel Rendle, Primrose Hill, Norman Campbell, Becks, Jemma Parkhill, Louis, Phoebe Scott, Indian Mist, Denis Currie, Larry

1.20m

Fionn Clarke, Knockroe Little Mike, Sophie Dalm, Unique, Denis Currie, Larry, Suzanne Hagan, Phineas Finn, Jessica Johnston, Thorn

Cross Country (Clears)

Anna Dillon, zantana, Alex Cleland, Whisper Grey Dove, Victoria Hale, Ardnacashel April Showers, Ciara Lane, Derrymatri Fudge, Becky Williams, Captain Flash, Ruth Lyttle, Randalstown Waterstone, Ciara Lane, Derrymatri Fudge