Charlotte and Zermie on form at Flexi Eventing at the Meadows

Wall-to-wall sunshine gave a very spring-like ambiance to the day which, again, saw exceptionally high numbers participate in both dressage and show jumping.

Starring in the Intermediate class again this week was seventeen year old Charlotte Dixon on her special thirteen year old gelding, Zermie, who also gained her top marks on their first outing in week two.

Runner-up was last week’s winner, Alex Houston, with her eight year old mare by Clover Echo, Skyfall Echo who finished exactly three points behind. Third spot was taken by Jayne Doherty on Rupert while Lucca Stubington accounted for the next two places with Nibbs and Oliver respectively. Daniel Brown and Bart took the final placing.

It was definitely another very successful day for Portrush eventer, Alex Houston, who added to her second place in the Intermediate class with a win in the Novice on Shylo. Shylo is a seven year old gelding which Alex co-owns with Claire Quinn and both owners have their sights on Tattersalls International in June. Just a fraction behind was last week’s Pre-Novice winner, Ella Boyle on Tigger, a six year old Hermes de Reve gelding, who has already brought great success to the Saintfield teenager.

The very successful combination of Sophie Buller and Rum Jumbie was next in line, followed by a new partnership of Harold Megahey and Amigo. Leah Jackson and Gemilly, who has been out of the placings on only one occasion, took fifth place followed by Caroline McQuillan and Mr Brown. In addition to competing, Caroline is already focusing her attention on running her own One Day Event at Cloncaw in June.

The biggest class of the day on this occasion was Pre Novice where Glenpatrick’s Harold Megahey rose to the fore. He won on the much admired, Amigo, a six year old gelding by Womaniser out of a Cavalier Royale mare who was making his debut appearance this season. Harold also took third place on Rickamore Royal. His placings were divided by fellow Glenpatrick worker, Ella Boyle, who acquired her second runner up spot of the day on Tigger.

The consistent performance of Lynne Spence and Jaydious Apollo earned them fourth place while fifth was reserved for Jim Newsam riding Clerky, his home bred five year old gelding. Jim campaigned Clerky’s dam, Chamonix, to 2* level and looks forward to a bright future with this bloodline. Another regular performer, Rachel Ferres picked up 6th place with her Canterano gelding, Arnold.

Meantime the Intro class saw Ellen Graham soar to victory with Eclipse with whom she had taken runner up spot two weeks earlier. Nipping at her heels was Clare McVeigh from Ballymena with Harry, who is rising six and in his first year of competition.

Suzanne Hagan and Connie who have made impressive progress in the course of the Flexi Eventing, took third place while fourth was reserved for Denise Kelly on her new ‘baby’ – five year old Hoeks Mainstream, a gelding by Hoeks Ludo W who is just starting his competitive career. It was particularly nice to see Alex Gordon in the placings with her faithful steed, Sox, on her first appearance following the birth of Evan. Fiona Fitzgibbon picked up sixth place on Belle.

Showjumping was also extremely busy and continued unabated from 9am until 5pm with an excellent standard being delivered.

Next week sees the much-awaited final of this very popular League when the £1,000 prize money will be distributed to the 15 combinations with most points collated across the disciplines over the past eight weeks. The current League standings are posted on the MEC website.

Any queries should be directed to Dora on 07876 758 979 before Saturday.

Full Results

Dressage

Arena 1 – Intermediate Judge: Angelene Nicholson: Charlotte Dixon, Zermie; Alex Houston, Echo; Jayne Doherty, Rupert; Lucca Stubington, Nibbs; Lucca Stubington, Oliver; Daniel Brown, Jack.

Arena 1 – Novice - Judge Angelene Nicholson: Alex Houston, Shylo; Ella Boyle, Tigger; Sophie Buller, Rum Jumbie; Harold Megahey, Amigo; Leah Jackson, Gemilly; Caroline McQuillan, Mr Brown.

Arena 2 – Pre Novice – Judge Lucinda Webb-Graham: Harold Megahey, Amigo; Ella Boyle, Tigger; Harold Megahey, Rickamore Royal; Lynne Spence, Jaydious Apollo; Jim Newsam, Clarkey; Rachel Ferres, Arnold.

Arena 3 – Intro – Judge Geraldine Lowry: Ellen Graham, Eclipse; Clare McVeigh, Harry; Suzanne Hagan, Connie; Denise Kelly, Hoeks Mainstream; Alex Gordon, Sox; Fiona Fitzgibbon, Belle.

Show Jumping (double clears)

70cms: June Ellenberg, True Love, Aisleen Keenan, Sandy, Peter Douglas, Bill, Aaron Nicholl, DHI Vertex.

80cms: James Douglas, Sparkles in the Rain, Hannah Whittle, Porsche Ferdi, Kay Traynor, Bob, Suzanne Hagan, Salty, Fiona McRoberts, CC, Erin Johnston, Filly, Kathryn Henderson, Betty, Carol Armstrong, Tinker Bell, Patrick Williams, Princess, Nicky Corr, Mouse, Emma McKenna, Mill Races Diamond, Patrick Williams, Penny, Jim Newsam, Clarkey, Rory Kinnear, Cash, Ryan Hunter, Snip, Janie Cairns, Red or White, Philip Smith, Aurora, Leah Knight, Bonita.

90cms: Catherine Robinson, Bill, Catherine Robinson, Bob, Catherine Robinson, Tyrella, Stephen Martin, Butterscotch Major, Nicky Nesbitt, Fuzzy Duck, Nicky Nesbitt, The Spy Master, Emma Connolly, Mullaghdrin Cointreau Lady, Victor Mester, Karaka, Rachel Ferres, Arnold, Olivia Quinn, Redwood Thor, Ryan Hunter, Snip, Luke Campbell, Flemmy.

1m: Pauline Faloon, Carlingford Sebastian, Carly Douglas, Imari, Anna Kelly, Tizzie, Samantha Heaney, Lady Mumbai, Shanie Murphy, Kilbeg Tommy, Leah Jackson, Gemilly, Angie McKeown, Bruno, Sophie Buller, Homer, Tabytha Bonar, Dove, Tabytha Bonar, Bella, Sophie Buller, Rum Jumbie, Katie Lyttle, Charley Brown, Harriet Pele, Lisbane Sparrow, Katie Wray, Beechburn Lass, Nicky Corr, Kenny, Ryan Hunter, Vervona.

1.10m: Jayne Doherty, Rollie, Nicky Corr, Charlie, Luke Campbell, Spirit, Ella Boyle, Tigger, Alex Houston, Shylo, Eric Pele, Lisbane Fly, David Taylor, Freddie, David Taylor, Ernie, Charlotte Dixon, Zermie, Enda Ivanoff, Romeo, Katie Lyttle, Dickson’s Dream.

1.20m: Lucca Stubington, Nibbs, Alex Houston, Echo, David Taylor, Junior.

Cross Country (clear rounds): Pauline Faloon, Carlingford Sebastian, Carly Douglas, Imari, Enda Ivanoff, Romeo, Fiona Cooper, Bump, Charlie Drain, Maisie, Mary Thompson, Charlie, Laura Montgomery, Dollar.