Flexi Eventing League attracts record entries
Full house of excited competitors turn out to gain more points in popular league
Week three of the Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing saw record entries and another full house of excited competitors keen to gain more points in this very popular League, where riders can pick and choose any or all of the three disciplines at a level that suits them.
In the three weeks of this League so far, 368 combinations have competed at 907 activities, which is a phenomenal statistic in any language.
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As normal, there was a two-way split in the Intro dressage class, which attracted almost 80 entries alone.
Jacky Reid reserved her top mark of 74.5 in the ‘A’ section for debutante, Robert Newell, who is more often seen competing on the Show Jumping circuit. Robert was riding, ‘Louis’, a 10-year-old gelding by ‘Sligo Candy Boy’, whom he bought from Padraig Howley as a 10-month-old foal. This was the first time for both horse and rider to experience the confines of the white boards and they are now looking forward to competing in the Eventing Ireland ‘Grassroots’ classes.
Katie McKee, who has been having an amazing Flexi so far with her own horses, took second place with ‘Mia’ (‘Elusive Clover’), owned by Wendy Anderson. ‘Mia’ competed successfully last year at the Baileys Horse Feeds League with her owner and Katie will compete her under Eventing Ireland rules this year, while Wendy relocates temporarily to Scotland with work.
Amy Smyth drew the attention of Judge Martina McKinley, in the Pre Novice ‘B’ section with ‘Lisross Irish Knight’ (‘Mylo’), a six-year-old Connemara stallion by ‘Gwennic de Goariva’, out of ‘Glenvale Diamond’ by ‘Robe Thunder Dun’. Amy has backed and produced ‘Mylo’ and has already secured a number of impressive results with EI and AIRC, where she is a member of Headford Riding Club. They won the five-year-old HSI Pony Autumn Development League in Wexford and placed second in the same League at Killossery. Amy is very much looking forward to adding more rosettes to their collection in the forthcoming season.
Katie McKee and ‘Bear’ have been showing very consistent good form in the previous two weeks and added a second equal placing to that tally this week, gaining 71%, a score matched by another very congruous performance by 14-year-old Zara Reid riding her father’s ‘Greylands Diamond Girl’. This partnership is going from strength to strength and, after three weeks, they are now seven points clear at the top of the Leader Board.
Coreen Abernethy also had the privilege of judging the first Pre-Novice section, where Nicola Martin struck gold with ‘Misty’, her six-year-old full Draught mare, with whom she has been partnered for the past year and a half. The accomplished duo of Claire Ireland and ‘Goin’ For Gold’, who are now equal second in the League, slotted into second place in the class, just half a point adrift.
It was certainly a case of celebrations galore in Comber, as Katie McKee picked up yet another placing - this time a win in the Jacky Reid judged Pre-Novice ‘B’ class, where they were awarded 73%.
These results are testimony to the dedication and hard work of a young lady, who juggles University life with her equestrian pursuits, assisted during the week by her mother, Elaine. Also breaking the 70% barrier with a score of 72.3 was Dundonald rider, Katie O’Reilly, with her skewbald gelding by ‘Indian Red’, whom she hasn’t competed for a number of years.
Portrush rider, Alex Houston, certainly had a day to remember, as she took a win in the Novice class, as well as an equal second place in the same class. The win came with ‘Dinky’ (‘My Atlantic Encore’) on a Coreen Abernethy awarded score of 71.8%. This combination won the class on week one and were runner up last week, so are certainly clocking up the points and currently sit in joint second in the League overall. Alex and ‘Indy’ (‘Minty Imp’) also shared a second placing with Denis Currie and ‘Arodstown Aramis’, who had to make up for missing out on last week due to rugby commitments.
Denis also featured in the seven-starter Intermediate class, where he took the win by a margin of 1.6 over Emma Hobson and ‘Rolando’, her Dutch-bred gelding well-known for his prowess with Dressage Ireland.
Sincere thanks to the large team of helpers across all three disciplines, who worked hard to ensure that the day ran seamlessly and, of course, most sincere thanks go to Judy Maxwell of Baileys Horse Feeds for the very generous sponsorship. Organisers are also grateful to Treo Eile, who are presenting a cash prize of €150 for the highest placed Thoroughbred in the League. Those competing in the Series on a Traditional Cob should ensure that they advise Dora of that fact, as there is also a prize in that category.
The prize giving will take at The Meadows on February 24 at the completion of competition.
This is open to absolutely everyone and, as the name suggests, riders can choose to do any or all of the three disciplines. Dressage enquiries to Dora on 07876 758979 or dorabeacom@live.co.uk.
Enquiries re: Show jumping and Cross-country should be directed to MEC on 028 3832 2417.
RESULTS
Saturday, January 27
Flexi Eventing - week three
Dressage
Intro ‘A’ – Judge: Jacky Reid:
1) Robert Newell, Louis; 2) Katie McKee, Mia; 3) Lois O’Hare, Santiago Sky; =4) Kaiti McCann, Cookie; Christine McVeigh, Lenny; 6) Hannah Whittle, Red.
Intro ‘B’ – Judge: Martina McKinley:
1) Amy Smyth, Lisross Irish Knight; =2) Zara Reid, Greylands Diamond Girl; Katie McKee, Bear; 4) Carys Black, Glencairns Little Monkey; 5) Karina McVeigh, Cococabana; 6) Sarah Cowan, Lady Remarque.
Pre Novice ‘A’ - Judge: Coreen Abernethy:
1) Nicola Martin, Misty; 2) Claire Ireland, Goin’ For Gold; 3) Felicity McConnell, Easy Pleased; =4) Suzi McClean, Butter; Hannah Thompson, Jemeela Charm; 6) Lauren McGlennon, Leo.
Pre Novice ‘B’ - Judge: Jacky Reid:
1) Katie McKee, Bear; 2) Katie O’Reilly, Dreamer; 3) Christina Turley, Bob; 4) Olivia Johns, Lagans Peter; 5) Aisleen Keenan, Uisce Beatha; 6) Freya Kennedy, Sunny.
Novice - Judge: Coreen Abernethy:
1) Alex Houston, Indy; =2) Denis Currie, Arodstown Aramis; Alex Houston, Indy; 4 Amelia Wheeler, Midnight Minty; 5) Erin McCrea, Rubane Candy; 6) Ella Boyle, Tiger.
Intermediate - Judge: Coreen Abernethy:
1) Denis Currie, Arodstown Aramis; =2) Emma Hobson, Rolando; Ella Boyle, Tiger; 4) Janie Cairns, Kevin; 5) Janie Cairns, Charlie; 6) Nichola Wray, Dylan.
Show jumping (double clear)
70cm:
Molly Reid, Little Me; Eliza Burke, Drumhass Diamond; Allison Matthews, Ellie-Mae; Violet Campbell, Mourne Maverick; Nikki Cullen, Ruby; Anna Poots, Maggie; Emma Coyle, Mario; Olivia Roulston, Baillie; Anna Reid, Bobby.
80cm:
Julie Coombs, Bruno; Ella-Rose Sands, Rosie; Karina McVeigh, Cococabana; Zara Reid, Greylands Diamond Girl; Karen Pearson, Cora; Robyn Rice, My Isabella; Wendy Findlay, Pebbles; Leah Knight, Freddie; Nikki Cullen, Buddy; Jocelyn Hutchinson, Corig Grey Star; Lynsey Kennedy, Izzey; Sarah Cowan, Lady Remarque; Uma Dare, Nora; Jessica Doak, Stan; Lily McBride, Annie; Shannon Treanor, Pip.
90cm:
Emma Irwin, Darcy; Kerry McTeggart, Cassai RG; Nicole Beattie, Maverick; Tara Liggett, Thomas; Annie Connell, Alfie; Sarah Brashaw, Ted; Abbie Harkness, Melody; Katelyn Irvine, Kensington Absolute; Justine O’Hara, Vales Beeswing; Amy Smyth, Lisross Irish Knight; Cathryn Black, Fanta; Shane Treanor, Cornet; Christine McVeigh, Lenny; Kat Butler-Ward, Stylebender; Sophia Madeley, Missy; Suzanne Hagan, Horse; Poppy Duff, Kiltiernan Pride; Barbara Johns, Drumhowan Darlin Jazz.
1m:
Lauren McGlennon, Leo; Ellie McDowell, PGS Little Ferro; James McEvoy, Jones; Carys Black, Glencairns Little Monkey; Megan Carson, Rico; Jennifer Gilchrist, Rosie; Katie O’Reilly, Dreamer; Frankie Kealey, Danny Boy 11; Holly Ross, Star of Holymount; Robert Newell, Louis; Myah McLean, Milo; Kirsty Bates, Belle; Oliver Kinnear, Rosedale Sandstorm; Gaby Kirk, Roly; Brooke Rafferty, Rocky; Jenny McCurry, Kate by Echo.
1.10m:
Ella Boyle, Oscar; Ros Morgan, VOS Surprise; Kym Moore, Drumcashell Little Legend; Brooke Rafferty, Rocky; Alex Houston, Dinky; Maya Constable, Duncarbery Cascade; Nadia Scanlon, Colby; Nichola Wray, Dylan; Kim Constable, Urneypark Big Cat.
1.20m:
Janie Cairns, Kevin; Alex O’Hare, Cleo; Ella Boyle, Tiger; Janie Cairns, Charlie; Tom Rowlatt-McCormick, Rollo.
Cross-Country (clear rounds)
70cm:
Edna Lyness, Thunder; Molly Reid, Little Me; Jenny Lindsay, L’Taras Ruby; Ella Rose Sands, Rosie; Anna Reid, Bobby.
80cm:
Isaac McCarthy, Pippin; Lisa Mitchell-Talbot, Liadan Gal; Sarah Cowan, Lady Remarque; Wendy Findlay, Pebbles; Anne Killen, Alf; Karina McVeigh, Cococabana; Charlie Watson, Leamore Girl; Jessica Doak, Stan; Ellen Irwin, Malin Belle; Felicity McConnell, Easy Pleased; Kerry McTeggart, Beauty; Jas Hogg, Je T’Aime Coco; Gill McAreavey, Izzy; Robyn Rice, My Isabella; Arlene Greenaway, Warrior Bob; Amy Smyth, Lisross Irish Knight; Jenny Lindsay, Carnakilly Golden Girl; Kerry McTeggart, Fancy Pants; Kaiti McCann, Cookie; Barbara Johns, Drumhowan Darlin Jazz; Kate Russell, Bingo.
90cm:
Ella Watters, Shadows Golden Boy; Justine O’Hara, Vales Beeswing; Hannah Moore, Big Ben; Jaclyn Brackenridge, Commanche Arrow; Kerry McTeggart, Cassai RG; Lara Kelly, Enrosewood Diamond Girl; Suzanne Hagan, Bubblegum; Carys Black, Glencairns Little Monkey; Abbie Harkness, Melody; Claire Ireland, Goin’ For Gold; Christina Turley, Bob; Rachael Burns, Cavalier Carry On Cruising; Jocelyn Hutchinson, Ashfield Dreamchaser; Nicky Nesbitt, Kenny B.
1m:
Claire Smyth, Tilly; Eve Fitzsimmons, Tiboy Des Etisses; Hannah Afrifa, Dare to Desire; Heather McMillan, Rock Carnival; Holly Ross, Cheirin; Fiona Fitzgibbon, Ivy; Kathryn Knox, Springvale O’Grady; Kym Moore, Drumcashel Little Legend; Megan Carson, Rico; Olivia Johns, Lagans Peter; Robyn Rice, Holiday Kruising; Zara Smyth, Tilly; Holly Ross, Bounty; Sophia Bingham, Prada; Luke Campbell, Fred; Zara Greenfield, Clerkenwell Supreme; Suzanne Hagan, Bubblegum.