Tyrella Two Phase paves the way for the Eventing Season
The annual Two Phase Event at Tyrella went ahead on Saturday despite the heavy rainfall of the preceding two days. Indeed, nowhere else in Ireland could have accommodated an event, given the recent weather conditions, so a huge thank you to David Corbett for the use of this infamous terrain. Although there were withdrawals on the day, the start list was up to maximum capacity with over 60 on a wait list. Those who competed were delighted they’d done so and were fulsome in their praise of Adam Stevenson’s cross country course which gave them a great ‘run’ prior to the start of the Eventing season. Drivers were also very grateful to Henry Evans who did sterling work over the weekend towing vehicles in a most professional and good humoured manner.
The Showjumping Course Designer was Aaron McCusker who certainly provided very fair tracks and moved fences for each class to ensure optimum conditions for everyone. The Judging team was David Greene and Sharon Cullen while Kayleigh Young did a magnificent job as call up.
The top class was divided into two sections because of the very large entry. The ‘A’ section was won in fine style by Alison Crothers on Keko who finished marginally closer to the optimum time than young rider, Toni Quail, who must be looking forward to an exciting Eventing year after her super performance with Stonebrook Tosca.
Top of the leaderboard in the ‘B’ section was Denis Currie and Bering Strait who was the only combination in the class to finish without time penalties. Second place went to Elaine O’Connor on the home-bred Tullymurry Holly who is now featuring in line –ups almost as frequently as the winning duo.
The Currie family were indeed in winning form as Judith McCarthy (nee Currie) claimed victory in Class 2 just ahead of Emma Murray and Ballycrystal Boy with 77 year old Albert Lowry slotting into 3rd place on Oh Dear. The second Senior 85cms class was won by Sharon Cowan and Calin King with Stephanie Elliott and Coffee claiming 2nd place.
The Junior 85cms class is always highly competitive and this year was no exception. In the end the honours went to Chloe Rooney on Lismahon Houdini with Hannah Blakely, a new Eventing recruit this year, taking second place on the very reliable Rough Terrain.
The 70cms competitors were very patient as they waited their turn to excel and Seamus Rodgers certainly did that by claiming two of the top six spots, with a winning entry on Sport. Colin Halliday, who was undoubtedly one of the busiest competitors of the day, claimed second place on Hero.
The biggest smile of the day was reserved for local girl, Caitlin Brown, who stormed to victory in the final class on her maiden competition, the Junior 70cms, on Corha Delight just ahead of Fiona Grogan and Amber.
Photographs on the day were taken by Sporting Images and these can be viewed on their website, www.sportingimagesni.co.uk . Many thanks to, to Stuart Stirling who was Technical Delegate and who did a remarkable job of ensuring that the whole cross country element ran flawlessly after competitors had been counted down by the very professional duo of Desi and Eunice Graham. Finally, many thanks to the great team of Judges, Fence Stewards, Control, Commentators, starters and catering staff whose tireless efforts paid dividends on a very busy weekend.
Full Results
Event 1A – 1m
1. Alison Crothers, Keko 2. Toni Quail, Stonebrook Tosca 3. William Greene, Keeford O’Reilly 4. Niamh Harding, Brownie Pointz 5. Carla Troughton, Geronimo 6. William Greene, Edentrillick Leviticus
Event 1B – 1m
1. Denis Currie, Bering Strait 2. Elaine O’Connor, Tullymurry Holly 3. Hollie O’Flynn, Kilcooley Independence 4. Cathy Campbell, Carnhill Lucy 5. Beth Murray, Kit N Kaboodle 6. Lisa Allen, Poppy
Event 2 – Senior 85cms
1. Judith McCarthy, Mixed Up 2. Emma Murray, Ballycrystal Boy 3. Albert Lowry, Oh Dear 4. Bronagh Stevenson, Albert 5. Lesley Ann Moore, Princess Fredo 6. Lisa Corry, Meribel Rock
Event 3 – Senior 85cms
1. Sharon Cowan, Calin King 2. Stephanie Elliott, Coffee 3= Colin Halliday, Guy & Nicola McKee, Silken Mix 5. Rachel McKimmon, Mambrino 6. Emma Jackson, Silky
Event 4 – Junior 85cms
1. Chloe Rooney, Lismahon Houdini 2. Hannah Blakely, Rough Terrain 3. Ryan Truesdale, Ballynakelly Flyer 4. Primrose Dillon, Ryan 5. Abi Carlisle, Troy 6. Susannah Graham, Rakish Talisman
Event 5 – Senior 70cms
1. Seamus Rodgers, Sport 2.Colin Halliday, Hero 3. Gillian Pierce, Davey 4. Carol Armstrong, Cornascriebe Camiro 5. Seamus Rodgers, Big Man 6. Caroline Chambers, Villas Dream
Event 6 – Junior 70cms
1. Caitlin Brown, Corha Delight 2. Fiona Grogan, Amber 3. Rebecca Loney, Penny Bazinga 4. Jade Harper, Rayid Top Dollar 5= Wendy Anderson, Cosmic Chaos & Katie Conlon, MacKenzie’s Lad
