Claire and Molly star in Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing at the Meadows

By The Newsroom
Published 10th Feb 2016, 15:49 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2016, 07:01 BST
Rachel Suffren and Miss Cole go clear in the 90cmRachel Suffren and Miss Cole go clear in the 90cm
Rachel Suffren and Miss Cole go clear in the 90cm
Eventing enthusiasts are definitely a '˜hardy' breed as the latest leg of the Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing League proved.

Weather conditions looked good at The Meadows until a ten minute blizzard changed the landscape, just shortly before the scheduled dressage start time of 9am. However, the team at the Lurgan venue worked tirelessly to clear the arenas and maintain the surface to ensure that the show proceeded.

Periodically there were spells of beautiful sunshine, punctuated by snow flurries but all credit to the competitors, judges, scribes, call up stewards and others who ensured that it was a good day for the 80+ who participated in the dressage and showjumping.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There were smiles all round for Claire Liddle, making her debut appearance on Molly her five year old Irish Draft mare, who claimed the honours in the Intro class with a two per cent margin over second placed Laura Murphy Finn and Setanta Express.

Caroline Bellew riding Mr Brown were fifth in the NoviceCaroline Bellew riding Mr Brown were fifth in the Novice
Caroline Bellew riding Mr Brown were fifth in the Novice

Claire intends to make a welcome return to the Intro class this season. Sarah McClay and Major moved up three spots from week one to take the yellow rosette with Janie Cairns and Helen Andrew’s beautiful five year old coloured mare, Red or White, taking fourth place.

Ella Boyle set a high standard in the Novice class on her mother’s eight year old Captain Fire mare whom she has high hopes for in the upcoming eventing season. She claimed the top spot ahead of Grainne Bennett and the striking Splash, followed by Leah Jackson and Gemilly.

The Pre Novice class was the busiest of the day and saw Jemma Parkhill take a double placing – first on Harry.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jemma, partnering her other mount, Mac, also shared fourth spot with the Novice winner, Ella Boyle and Candy.

Indie Forsythe and Su going clear in the 80cmIndie Forsythe and Su going clear in the 80cm
Indie Forsythe and Su going clear in the 80cm

Caroline McQuillan, from Monaghan performed superbly with her sixteen year old gelding sired by the American thoroughbred stallion, Mohaajir, slotting into the runner up spot, followed by Niamh Cooper on My Bagatelle who was one of the first combinations to enter the arena and completed her test resembling a snowman.

A relatively new combination, Katie Riley and Versace Biscuit from Moneyreagh, completed the line up by claiming sixth place.

The show jumping results don’t bear testament to the level of competition as there was a higher than normal ratio of ‘four faulters’ but a superb standard of jumping was evident.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The fourth leg of this very popular League takes place next Saturday with dressage to be pre entered with Dora by 6pm on Wednesday.

Katie McKee riding Jack to sixth in the IntroKatie McKee riding Jack to sixth in the Intro
Katie McKee riding Jack to sixth in the Intro

Full Results

Arena 1 – Intermediate Test 115- Judge Janet Hall: Jill Hobson, Furisto Seven For A Secret

Arena 1- Novice Test 112 – Judge: Janet Hall

Ella Boyle, Candy; Grainne Bennett, Splash; Leah Jackson, Gemilly; Janie Cairns, Ronnie; Caroline McQuillan, Mr Brown; Laoise O’Farrell, Monlough Meteor

Caroline Bellew riding Mr Brown were fifth in the NoviceCaroline Bellew riding Mr Brown were fifth in the Novice
Caroline Bellew riding Mr Brown were fifth in the Novice

Arena 2 – Pre Novice Test 106 - judge Ivor Harper: Jemma Parkhill, Harry; Caroline McQuillan, Mr Brown; Niamh Cooper, My Bagatelle; Ella Boyle, Candy & Jemma Parkhill, Mac; Katie Riley, Versace Biscuit

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Arena 3 – Intro Test BE95 – judge Emma Andrews: Claire Liddle, Molly; Laura Murphy-Finn, Setanta Express; Sarah McClay, Major; Janie Cairns, Red or White; Emma McKenna, Millraces Diamond; Katie McKee, Jack.

Showjumping (double clears)

80cms: Hannah Thompson, Tia, Corey Mawhinney, Ben, Jessica Burns, Jupiter, India Forsythe, Su, Ryan Hunter, Snip

90cms: Rachel Suffern, Miss Cole, Gwen Scott, Rosie, Gwen Scott, Max

1m: Pauline Faloon, Carlingford Sebastian, David O’Connor, Tullymurry Grey Joy, Fionn Clarke, Joey

1.10m: Fionn Clarke, Joey.