Karla O’Donnell Hits The Big Time at Connell Hill
The £1,000 Pony Show at Connell Hill on Sunday saw a host of young athletes turn out in full show attire to take the challenge of colourful smooth flowing tracks designed by Mr Nigel Jess. These tracks provided spectators with a day filled with excitement bursting at the seams with breath taking moments as these young riders displayed their riding talents. The show commenced with the Newcomers class and taking it by storm was Beth Thompson, travelling from Fintona, jumping double clear on both her ponies ‘Uisneagh Mist’ and ‘Little Orchard Melody’. The course was set for the 128 cm 90 cm class which saw huge support from the side lines as these young athletes took to the arena and sped against the clock with Karla O’Donnell hitting the big time taking the honours of first and second places on ‘Rickamore Gameboy’ and ‘Big Time Buster’. With these winnings under her saddle this very talented young lady then jumped her way into first place on ‘Big Time Buster’ in the 128 cm 1.0 m class. Nigel, assisted by the arena crew, quickly set the course for the 138 cm 1.0 m class which was a class oozing bravery filled with dreams which saw first equal snatched by Emma McEntee on ‘Ballygawley Braveheart’ and Sophie Dunn on ‘Oharas Dream’. Ella Grant on ‘Michelas Lady’ took home to Cookstown the glory of first place in the 138cm 1.10 m class. The fences were adjusted and raised for the 148 cm classes and these young athletes, full of enthusiasm, walked the courses planning ahead. This preparation paid off with double clears in the 80 cm class for Jodie Creighton on ‘Manninard Sir Ganty’ and Elle Johnston on ‘Eldaggo’ who went on to jump double clear in the 90 cm class. Navigating the course and jumping super double clears in the 1.0 m class were Beth Doherty on ‘Springhill Cosmo’, Keavy Molloy on ‘Diamond Seeker’ and Alexandra Ryan on ‘Oms October Mist’. With the mizzle of rain now falling there was no stopping Alexandra Ryan as she jumped an exceedingly fast time to take first place on ‘Oms October Mist’ with Tyrone Flanagan on ‘Talyas Diamond Link’ picking up second place and tight on his heals was Beth Doherty on ‘Springhill Cosmo’ in the 1.10 m class.
* £1,000 Pony Show on 23rd March at 9.30 am, classes Newcomers – 148 cm 1.25m. *
SJI Horse League continues on Saturday 22nd March at 10.00 am, classes 80 cm – 1.30 m. League dates are 8th, 22nd and 29th March, Sunday 13th, Saturday 19th April 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, this show a date for the calendar with an excellent prize fund.
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.
James Wray Trust Working Hunter Show on Sunday 16th March at 9.00 am.
Cash Jumping Ireland Show on Sunday 30th March at 10.00 am, classes 60 cm – 1.30 m, this show is designed for all show jumpers whatever level, providing fair competition for all. For more information on Cash Jumping or to register go to www.cashjumpingireland.com
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.
RESULTS
Newcomers: Charles Heffron – Miss Susie, Beth Thompson – Uisneagh Mist, Beth Thompson – Little Orchard Melody, Shania Hands – Scarletts Bubblicious
128 cm 70 cm: Shania Hands – Scarletts Bubblicious, Jessica Moore – Drakelands Fabia
128 cm 80 cm: Ellen Thompson – Moyralla Bob, Jessica Moore – Bertie Bassett
U 10’s: 1st Yiayan Evans – Princess Judy, 2nd Yiayan Evans – Tri Again
128 cm 90 cm: 1st Karla O’Donnell – Rickamore Gameboy, 2nd Karla O’Donnell – Big Time Buster, 3rd Ellen Thompson – Ruthstown Speed, 4th John McEntee – Lurgan Daragh
128 cm 1.0 m: 1st Karla O’Donnell – Big Time Buster, 2nd John McEntee – Lurgan Daragh, 3rd Ellen Thompson – Ruthstown Speed, 4th John McEntee – Star Spangled Banner, 5th Natasha Kerr – The Nut Cracker
138 cm 80 cm: Jodie Creighton – Rickamore Ganty Mac, Jessica Moore – My Little Ruby
138 cm 90 cm: Jessica Moore – My Little Ruby, Elle Johnston – Midnite Surprise, Jodie Creighton – Rickamore Ganty Mac
138 cm 1.0 m: =1st Emma McEntee – Ballygawley Braveheart and Sophie Dunn – Oharas Dream, 3rd Kerrie Kerr – Drumiller Prince, 4th Ella Grant – Michelas Lady, 5th Georgia Kelly – Mystery Boy, 6th Elle Johnston – Midnite Surprise, Eve Donnelly – Kiltormer Dan, Emma McEntee – Hubba Bubba, Elle Johnston – Jacodi’s Anja’s Allure
138 cm 1.10: 1st Ella Grant – Michelas Lady, 2nd Emma McEntee – Ballygawley Braveheart, 3rd Elle Johnston – Dun N Dust It, 4th Sophie Dunn – Oharas Dream, 5th Georgia Kelly – Mystery Boy, 6th Emma McEntee – Hubba Bubba
148 cm 80 cm: Jodie Creighton – Manninard Sir Ganty, Elle Johnston – Eldaggo
148 cm 90 cm: Christine McNally – Legavallons Miss Pepper, Elle Johnston – Eldaggo, Keavy Molloy – Diamond Seeker, Alexandra Louise Ryan – Nearly Dun
148 cm 1.0 m: Alexandra Louise Ryan – Oms October Mist, Beth Doherty – Springhill Cosmo, Keavy Molloy – Diamond Seeker
148 cm 1.10 m: 1st Alexandra Louise Ryan – Oms October Mist, 2nd Tyrone Flanagan – Talyas Diamond Link, 3rd Beth Doherty – Springhill Cosmo
Category: News, Results, Show Jumping
