Jacqui’s Flying Colours at Connell Hill’s SJI Horse Show

News Desk | May 20, 2014

Following the hype of Balmoral Show Connell Hill welcomed a large number of competitors to jump at this the third week of the May SJI League. Spectators had the privilege of viewing some very skilful riding as the tracks, carefully designed by Mr W Crean, were adjusted throughout the day assisted by his very able team of helpers. The large outdoor arena bedecked with colourful fences was radiant as the sun shone giving the appearance of extending as the challenging courses were set.

This very busy day commenced with the 80 cm class and setting the standard for the day with double clears were Stephanie Doherty, from Eglinton, on ‘Beechmount Champ’, Alanna Dunlop, from Kells, on ‘Gemma SC’, Emma Barkley, from Ballymena, on ‘Tawnybrack Diamond’ and Amy Black, from Moneymore, on ‘Lissangle Luxzavella’. Stephanie and Amy were then amongst the double clears in the 90 cm class. Connell Hill buzzed with excitement as the day progressed and the fences raised for competitors to walk and plan their own course of action to successfully jump their double clear rounds. Will and his arena crew set the 1.0 m class which saw Jacqui McKinney, from Castlerock, on ‘Emiel’, with flying colours, jump double clear. Taking the 1.10 m class by storm jumping double clear with a very fast time early in the class to win was none other than Antrims ‘Lone Ranger’ Alistair Barr on ‘Colt Forty Five’ with Shannon Leinster, from Newtownards, hot on his heals picking a very deservedly second on ‘Gossip Girl’. Competition was still high filling this venue with a most friendly atmosphere as the 1.20 m class got under way and with good fortune on his side was John Higgins, from Magherafelt, as he strode home in first place on ‘In Luck’, Aisling Doherty, from Buncrana, taking second on ‘Ursela (KWPN), Claire O’Hara, from Coleraine, third on ‘Tiffcrum Penny’ and Aisling taking fourth on ‘Bon Jovi’. The eminence of first place was claimed by Anita Doherty, from Carrickfergus, on ‘Fitz’ in the 1.30 m class and rolling into second was Ana Desmond, from Greenisland, on ‘Rollover’ and once again in the placings taking third and fourth was Aisling Doherty on ‘Ursela (KWPN)’ and ‘Bon Jovi’ respectively. 5 Week May SJI Horse League has commenced and will continue on Saturday 24^th and final on 31^st May at 10.00 am, classes 80 cm – 1.30 m. Competitors to attend two shows to qualify for final, if not qualified may compete at the show for their points. Summer SJI Horse League commences on Thursday 5^th June at 10.00 am, classes 80 cm – 1.30 m. Show Dates: Thursday 5^th, 12^th, 19^th and 26^th June, 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th, 24^th and Final on Thursday 31^st July. Training Shows will continue on Friday night, as jumping is outdoor this show will commence at 6.30 pm sharp for X-Poles, 6.45 pm 50 cm – 1.0 m classes, where everyone will receive a warm welcome with café facilities for hot and cold drinks/snacks. Cashjumpingireland Show scheduled for Saturday 14^th June at 10.00 am, classes 60 cm – 1.30 m. this show provides fair competition for all and is designed for all show jumpers whatever their level. This show offers the opportunity of jumping novices going forward for SJI Registration or indeed offer competitors the opportunity of realising their own ability to then affiliate to SJI. For more information on Cash Jumping or to register go to www.cashjumpingireland.com Jumping Derby Show, for Horses and Ponies, on Sunday 8^th June at 10.00 am, classes 60 cm – 1.0 m, entries £15.00 (£3.00 per entry towards prize fund). Further details contact Gillian on 078 03 178 009 or Grace 077 65 884 254. RESULTS 80 cm: =1^st Stephanie Doherty – Beechmount Champ, Alanna Dunlop – Gemma SC, Emma Barkley – Tawnybrack Diamond, Amy Black – Lissangle Luxzavella 90 cm: =1^st Ian Millar – Montilly, Claire O’Hara –Kah Echo, Brian Smyth – Iroko Quarry Diamond, Stephanie Doherty – Beechmount Champ, Amy Black – Lissangle Luxzavella, 1.0 m: =1^st Simon Scott – Curry Free, Simon Scott – Monkey Star, Jacqui McKinney – Emiel, Grace McGarry – Tutankhamun, Shannon Leinster – Metropolitan, Jonathan Goudie – Queen of Carrickadawson, John Kilgore – Ballybreagh Classic, Sarah McConnell – Craiganee, Nikita Cochrane – Vromy, Ann-Marie Hughes – Ballyartan Blue Jay, Ian Millar – Bellspark View, Brian Smyth – Iroko Quarry Diamond 1.10 m: 1^st Alistair Barr – Colt Forty Five, 2^nd Shannon Leinster – Gossip Girl, 3^rd Leigh Anne Rea – Saumur Li, 4^th Orla Diamond – Dannys Diamond, 5^th Kathryn Watt – Derg Bonnie Rose, 6^th Nicole O’Hagan – Hickory Hill, Lauren Fulton – Wicked Clover, Rachel McCauley – She’s The One IES, Shannon MacKenzie – Euroquay, Michael Press – Annestown King Concord, Claire O’Hara – Temple Cruise, Simon Scott – Curry Free, Rebecca Hooks – Blossomhill Classic Clover, Ian Millar – Bellspark View, William Thompson – Cavaliers Red Diesel, John Higgins – Super Uno, Christina Compton – Kool Kavactor, 1.20 m: 1^st John Higgins – In Luck, 2^nd Aisling Doherty – Ursela (KWPN), 3^rd Claire O’Hara – Tiffcrum Penny, 4^th Aisling Doherty – Bon Jovi, 5^th Rachel McCauley – Carrickaduff Trump, 6^th Rebecca Hooks – Blossomhill Classic Clover, John Higgins – ABC Quantum Cruise 1.30 m: 1st Anita Doherty – Fitz, 2^nd Ana Desmond – Rollover, 3^rd Aisling Doherty – Ursela (KWPN), 4^th Aisling Doherty – Bon Jovi