‘Doonaveeragh Camiro’ in a League of His Own at Connell Hill
Saturday the fourth date of this SJI Horse League, with six dates remaining before the final on Saturday 26th April, saw a large number of competitors arrive to jump a technical track of colourful fences, designed by Mr W Crean, which demanded controlled precision riding. These tracks rewarded riders, spectators and owners with an exceptional day of excitement with a high standard of jumping in a pleasant, relaxed safety conscious environment. The day got off to a roaring start with the 80 cm class which saw Pauline McKeown on ‘Miss Darcy’, Clara Dawson on ‘Coral Blue’ and John McKinney on ‘Carrick Aldato Girl’ all jump super double clear rounds. The ladies took control of the 90 cm and 1.0 m classes with Shannon Cole jumping double clear on both her horses ‘Casalena Me Amore’ and ‘Battlestown Price Tag’, and Lucy Hanna on ‘Rock Black and Blue’ in the 90 cm class with Lucy going on to jump double clear in the 1.0 m class on ‘Greannanstown Cougar’. With the Winter Olympics in full swing Claire Ireland on ‘Going for Gold’ jumped double clear in the 1.0 m class with Kathryn Watt on ‘Derg Bonnie Rose’, Julie Steele on ‘Wellview Lenny’ and Nuala McNally on ‘Song of Charm’. Nuala then went on to jump double clear in the 1.10 m class on ‘Song of Charm’ with Alistair Barr striding in to take the challenge and jump double clear on ‘Colt Forty Five’ with John Higgins on ‘Doolin De Reve’. Competitors walked the course for the 1.20 m class but there was no stopping John Higgins, the very talented young man from Magherafelt, who claimed the only double clears on ‘Creevagh First Lady’ and ‘Doonaveeragh Camiro’. The course then set for the final class, the 1.30 m, and once again John entered the arena on ‘Doonaveeragh Camiro’ who just ultimately jumped big to win with the only double clear of the class.
Training Shows will continue next Friday night at 6.30 pm, X-Poles – 1.10 m classes, where everyone will receive a warm welcome with café facilities for hot and cold drinks/snacks.
*Horse Training Show* Thursday 27th February at 10.00 am, classes 80 cm – 1.20 m. This show is ideal for schooling and the perfect opportunity to train or that little bit of extra fitness before jumping registered on Saturdays.
SJI Horse League continues on Saturday 1st March at 10.00 am, classes 80 cm – 1.30 m. League dates are 1st, 8th, 22nd and 29th March, Sunday 13th, Saturday 19th and final on 26th April. Competitors must jump at five league dates to qualify for final.
Grand Prix Horse Show on Saturday 15th March at 10.00 am, classes 80 cm – 1.30 m.
James Wray Trust Working Hunter Show on Sunday 16th March at 9.00 am.
IPS Pony Show on Sunday 23rd March.
Connell Hills’ Two Day Horse Show on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April at 10.00 am, this is a show not to be missed with a total prize fund of £2,500.
Further details contact Gillian on 078 03 178 009 or Grace 077 65 884 254, www.connellhill.com
RESULTS
80 cm: Pauline McKeown – Miss Daracy, Clara Dawson – Coral Blue, John McKinney – Carrick Aldato Girl
90 cm: Shannon Cole- Casalena Me Amore, Lucy Hanna – Rock Black and Blue, Shannon Cole – Battlestown Price Tag,
1.0 m: Lucy Hannah – Greenanstown Cougar, Clare Ireland – Going for Gold, Kathyrn Watt – Derg Bonnie Rose, Julie Steel – Wellview Lenny. Nuala McNally -Song of Charm.
1.10 m: Alistair Barr – Colt Forty Five; Nuala McNally – Song of Charm; John Higgins – Doolin De Reve
1.20 m: John Higgins – Creevagh First Lady, John Higgins – Doonaveeragh Camiro
1.30 m: John Higgins – Doonaveeragh Camiro
Category: News, Results, Show Jumping
