Moonshine Sets Bar High For Connell Hill Final

Connell Hill saw a large number of competitors load up to jump at the final qualifying leg of the May SJI League in the outdoor arena set in the most idyllic countryside of Randalstown.  This very tranquil countryside setting makes for a relaxed atmosphere and inviting environment for those eager to succeed.  And indeed it was success from early in play as the first class commenced setting a high standard of jumping throughout the day.  It was ladies that satisfied their craving for success in the 80 cm and 90 cm classes as they demonstrated their control and precision riding on their own horses rewarding double clears in both, and they were Julie McLernon on ‘Freckleton Marinella’, Joanne Wilkinson on ‘Yellow Moon’ and Stephanie Doherty on ‘Beechmount Champ’.  Course designer, Ray Buchanan, designed a variety of tracks paying every attention to detail and as he briskly set to work on the 1.0 m track spectators, owners, competitors and grooms mingled all patiently awaiting the opportunity to walk the track.  It was Paul Tang that put his stamp on this class as he jumped double clear on, Nicola Tangs, ‘Neat Nightingale’ and ‘Neat Moonshadow’.  Another very exciting class captivating the spectators was the 1.10 m class which saw Aisling Doherty leap her way to success on, D L McConnells’ ‘Carnoneybridge Lady Leap’. It was ‘Claires’ that ruled the 1.20 m class as one Claire opened with a double clear and the other Claire closed with a double clear.  It was Claire O’Hara who opened the class jumping a superb double clear on, Brendan O’Haras’, ‘Tiffcrum Penny’ and then on, Vincent Burtons’, ‘Drumrankin Ruby’ and it was Claire Doherty who closed the class with a double clear on, James Bleeks’, ‘Dinletto RK’ and also double clear on, Gerald Dohertys’, ‘Just Because D&M’.  Judge, David Greenes day was not over yet as the 1.30 m track was prepared, competitors hungry for success in this class warmed up. What a heart stopper this class was as each competitor came forward but final competitor Kevin Mackey clinched the poll position on, Helena O’Kanes’, ‘Legavallons Moonshine’ with Shannon MacKenzie, who had set the time to beat, slip into second place on, Karen MacKenzies’, ‘Dyolita’, Fiona Coyle took third on her own ‘Arion-E, John Higgins fourth position on his own ‘Doonaveeragh Camiro’ and Markus Buser fifth on his own ‘Mullentine Par On’.  The final of this league will take place next Saturday, 6^th June, at 10.00 am, competitors to have jumped at two legs to qualify for the final, classes 80 cm – 1.30 m.  The Summer SJI Horse League will commence on Thursday 4^th June at 10.00 am, classes 80 cm – 1.30 m, contact Gillian 078 0317 8009 or Grace 077 6588 4254.