Glorious sunshine for Lusk's Two-phase

Perfect ground conditions and large entries for much-anticipated competition

Lusk Equestrian, outside Lisburn, held their Two-phase event on Saturday, June 8 in glorious sunshine, with perfect ground conditions over the almost 2km course.

The show jumping, judged by Denise Withers, and the cross-country both caused a few problems everywhere, but some in each section went clear throughout, showing just how easily it all can be done!

Claire Liddle and ‘Molly’ won Class 2A, the 85cm class at Lusk’s Two-phase. PICTURES: courtesy of Martin O’Neill

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Emily Corbett, in her usual carefree fashion, last to go in the metre class riding ‘Midnight’, was clear over all and claimed the win over Sarah Sproule on ‘Lily’.

The 85cm, with so many entries, was divided into two sections. Section A was won by Claire Liddle on ‘Molly’, with Martha McMurray riding ‘Willow’, a little too fast, but also clear in second place. Section B’s winner was Jenny McCurry on ‘Maximus’, closely followed by Emma Wallace on ‘Sandi’.

Emily Corbett and ‘Midnight’ won Class 1, the 1m class at Lusk’s Two-phase.

The 70cm class was sympathetically built to encourage all the up and coming riders, Pony Club members and those with young horses to get home safely. This was won by Kathryn Henderson on ‘Betty’, with Connor Savage and ‘Gina’ in second place.

The Pony Club members had a wonderful opportunity, both on Saturday and Sunday at the Go As You Please, to practice for the forthcoming Pony Club Championships, which are being held at Lusk’s on July 14.

Kathryn Henderson and ‘Betty’ won Class 3, the 70cm class at Lusk’s Two-phase.

Harold and Jenny were most grateful for the many helpers, who worked throughout the day to make the event such a success, and special thanks to Cyril McElroy (course builder), Mervyn Harron, Brooke Ronan and Catherine Patterson, who worked tirelessly the week before.

David McClurg and Karen King deserve special thanks for their endless help at Lusk’s, where they arrived on Friday afternoon with a trailer load of greenery and dressed all the cross-country jumps to make that special effect.

Catering arrangements at Lusk’s changed slightly, with the arrival of Wynne’s catering trailer with delicious food.

CJ O'Brien and ‘Coolarrane Candypops’ splashes through the water during Class 3, the 70cm class at Lusk’s Two-phase.

Marty and Yvonne O’Neill, as usual, produced some memorable photos for competitors of their success or otherwise throughout the day.

Show director Sarah Whiteside was back in action with her three-week-old daughter Maisie being cared for by Clare Adamson, while Clare’s daughter was busy fence judging.

Jenny and Harold are now off to their youngest son’s wedding and the next event at Lusk’s will be the Pony Club championships on July 14, a day not to be missed by spectators!

RESULTS

Saturday, June 8

Two-phase at Lusk Equestrian

Class 1 - 1m:

1) Emily Corbett, Midnight; 2) Sarah Sproule, Lily; 3) Janie Cairns, Cherry; 4) Neil Morrison, Diane; 5) Ailish McBride, Covehill Boy; 6) Conor McClory, Mr Marmalade.

Ailish McBride and ‘Covehill Boy’ placed fifth in Class 1, the 1m class at Lusk’s Two-phase.

Class 2 - 85cm Section A:

1) Claire Liddle, Molly; 2) Martha McMurray, Willow; 3) Gail McIlwaine, Miss Ballyrolly; 4) Lisa Dundee, Lily; 5) Julia Fielden, Cadbury; 6) Karina McVeigh, Cococabana.

Martha McMurray and ‘Willow’ were runners-up in Class 2A, the 85cm class at Lusk’s Two-phase.

Class 2 - 85cm Section B:

1) Jenny McCurry, Maximus; 2) Emma Wallace, Sandi; 3) Lily McKenzie, Chick Flick; 4) Victoria Greeves, Twister D’Euro; =5) Hannah Elizabeth, Ben; =5) Zara Reid, Greylands Diamond Girl.

Sophie Cowan and ‘Tempo Quickstep’ in action in Class 2A, the 85cm class at Lusk’s Two-phase.

Class 3 - 70cm:

1) Kathryn Henderson, Betty; 2) Conor Savage, Gina; 3) Izzy Irvine, Clear Water; 4) Neil Morrison, Bella; 5) Molly Reid, Little Me; 6) Arlene Greenaway, Warrior Bob.

Grainne Baxter and ‘Letterkeen Sparrow’ competing in Class 3, the 70cm class at Lusk’s Two-phase.