Connell Hill Gears up For Grand Prix next Sunday
Competitors arrived at Connell Hill for the seventh week of the SJI Summer Horse League, with only one week remaining before the grand finale on Thursday 31st July. This league is attracting huge support as the atmosphere is not only friendly and welcoming but the well designed tracks, by Mr Will Crean, are assembled in the fabulous panoramic outdoor arena which has a first class surface. This in turn enables horses to display their ability acclaiming greater heights with confidence. The first double clears of the day were claimed by Alanna Dunlop, Kells, on ‘GemmaSC’ and Emma Barkley, Ballymena, on ‘Tawnybrack Diamond’ in the 80 cm class. The show then moved on to the 90 cm class and already this day was heating up with riders quenching their thirst and keeping their horses cool reserving their energy, which saw amongst the double clears Zoe Harvey, Gilford, on ‘Mullabrack Premier’, this was this young horses first show, and with loads of diesel Shannon MacKenzie, Randalstown, on ‘Finn Diesel’. Riders keeping a watchful eye on Will and his arena crew as they set the course for the 1.0 m class paid dividends for John Higgins, Magherafelt, on ‘Keep Watch’ and Sarah-Jane Alexander, Toomebridge, having it all under control on ‘I Am Legend’ and ‘Neat Kaleidoscope’ as they jumped double clears. Sarah-Jane then took the challenge of the 1.10 m class displaying the untold talent of her super horse ‘I Am Legend’ jumping double clear. The course adjusted and the clocks ticking competitors entered the arena each trying to save a second on a turn but Liam McKee, Maghera, on ‘Douglas W’ sped home in first place with Suzanne Posnett, on Beth Armstrongs, ‘Orchard Echo’ close on his heals second, John Higgins, Magherafelt, on ‘KEC Freefalling’ third and Lucy Hanna, Dunadry, on ‘Spring Rumba’ a well deserved fourth. This show saw some excellent riding skills and none more so than when it came to the 1.30 m class and there really was no stopping Liam McKee on ‘Douglas W’ as they once again claimed first placing with Suzanne Posnett this time on ‘Cocos Mademoiselle’ taking second, Kevin Mackey third on Kathleen Gallaghers’ ‘Gregory Courage’ and Clare Sloan, Lisburn, fourth on ‘Rose of Connaught.
Summer SJI Horse League continues on Thursday 24th July at 10.00 am, classes 80 cm – 1.30 m. Show Dates: Thursday 24th and Final on Thursday 31st July. Competitors to jump at four league dates to qualify for the final.
Summer Grand Prix Pony Show, Sunday 27th July at 9.30 am, this show will be held in the outdoor arena with all the usual classes.
Training Shows will continue on Friday night, as jumping is outdoor this show will commence at 6.30 pm sharp, 50 cm – 1.0 m classes, where everyone receives a warm welcome with café facilities for hot and cold drinks/snacks.
Further details contact Gillian on 078 03 178 009 or Grace 077 65 884 254.
RESULTS
80 cm: =1st Alanna Dunlop – GemmaSC, Emma Barkley – Tawnybrack Diamond
90 cm: =1st Zoe Harvey – Mullabrack Premier, Paul Humphries – Alland Cristal, Shannon MacKenzie – Finn Diesel, Sarah-Jane Alexander – Neat Kaleidoscope
1.0 m: =1st Katy Connor – Hallsmill Lux Likely, Rachel Ferres – Foxes Rescue Me, Suzanne Posnett – Foesula, Sarah-Jane Alexander – I Am Legand, Roberta McClurg – Drumillar Heyday, John Higgins – Keep Watch, Sarah-Jane Alexander – Neat Kaleidoscope
1.10 m: = 1st Suzanne Posnett – Super Uno, Rachel Ferres – Little Miss Rivie, John Higgins – Creevagh First Lady, Sarah-Jane Alexander – I Am Legend
1.20 m: 1st Liam McKee – Douglas W, 2nd Suzanne Posnett – Orchard Echo, 3rd John Higgins – KEC Freefalling, 4th Lucy Hanna – Spring Rumba, 5th John Higgins – Doonaveeragh Camiro, 6th Olivia McCormack – Nighlife (Wurt), Kevin Mackey – Touch Star
1.30: 1st Liam McKee – Douglas W, 2nd Suzanne Posnett – Cocos Mademoiselle, 3rd Kevin Mackey – Gregory Courage, 4th Clare Sloan – Rose of Connaught, 5th John Higgins – KEC Freefalling, 6th John Higgins – Doonaveeragh Camiro
Category: News, Results, Show Jumping
