Lucca does the double at Flexi Eventing final
Memorable day at The Meadows as popular series draws to a close for 2025
Saturday was a very memorable day, as the curtain came down on the Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing Series for 2025. It was one of the most successful years to date, with almost 600 combinations competing in over 2,000 activities, across the three phases, in the course of the seven weeks.
Catherine Cowan and ‘Lady Remarque’ were crowned this year’s Champions amidst all the pomp and ceremony so brilliantly compered by Georgia Stubington and executed by Catherine Abbott. As well as prize money, sash and rosette, they received a beautiful trophy.
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A huge thank you must go to the Title Sponsor, Judy Maxwell of Baileys Horse Feeds, who has been there each week through frost, snow, ice and wind, as well as the sunshine, to show her support and help with the organisation of this extremely popular League.
Thanks also go to class sponsors, Treo Eile, whose sponsorship made the series very special and incentivised all the Thoroughbred owners to give the Flexi a go and they thoroughly enjoyed it. The winners, Connor McClory and ‘Bestman Bryan’ were presented with €150 plus a rug for their endeavours.
The top three League prize winners each received a beautiful sash and rosette prepared by Tracey Blair of Awardboard Rosettes and Trophies Ireland. It was particularly pleasing to see ALL the prize winners present and beautifully turned out for the impressive prize giving. It is also very gratifying to see the number of underage riders featuring in the line up, which augurs very well for the future of the sport.
At the conclusion of the Prize Giving, Denis Currie presented bouquets of flowers to Judy Maxwell, sponsor, and Catherine Abbott, Secretary, on behalf of the riders.
The entries in all three phases this week were uncharacteristically high for a non-qualifying day and, once again, meant a two-way division of the Intro class. The ‘Graduate’ judge this week was Tina O’Connor, who certainly showed that she wasn’t afraid to use the full range of marks. Top of her list with a score of 72.5% was Eimear Watson riding the 16-year-old Irish Draught mare, Gaurlin Lady. This combination made their debut Eventing Ireland appearance at Tullymurry last year, where they came runner-up in a class of 24. They also featured in the top six at Hazeldene the following month.
Veterinary surgeon, Kathryn Henderson, occupied second place with ‘Betty’ (‘Mocking Bird’), her 15-year-old ‘Builders Delight’ mare, with whom she enjoyed considerable eventing success including a win at Loughanmore last August.
The Intro ‘B’ class of 16 was judged by Lucinda Webb-Graham, who reserved her top mark of 74.3% for Lucca Stubington and ‘Goofy’, a five-year-old gelding, bred and owned by Liam Lynskey. He is by Liam’s stallion, ‘DS Are You With Me’, and was broken and produced by Lucca, who is aiming him at the Young Event Horse Qualifiers, as well as some EI events.
Claire Ireland also broke the 70% barrier with a score of 73% on her much-accomplished palomino gelding, ‘Goin’ for Gold’.
Lucca Stubington was back on the centre of the podium for the Pre-Novice class, judged by Lucinda Webb-Graham, where she scored the highest mark of the day, 78.8% with ‘Harry’ (‘Glencarne’), owned by Heather McReynolds. He is a seven-year-old gelding by ‘Olympic Lux’ and has had three runs at EI100 level with Eventing Ireland. The very consistent and three times class winner at this year’s Flexi Series, Christine Findlay occupied the runner-up spot with a score of 75.8% with her 10-year-old ‘Diarado’ gelding, ‘Parklodge Over and Under’, with whom she chose to move up a grade this week.
FEI Judge, Vanda Stewart, was charged with responsibility for the Novice class of 22. This class was dominated by one of Smith Brothers’ pupils, 17-year-old Lee Bloomfield, who took three of his four mounts into the top six. However, the top place was reserved for Alex Houston and ‘My Atlantic Encore’ (‘Dinky’), who were rewarded with 73.8.
‘Dinky’ is a home-bred eight year old mare by ‘Centrestage’, out of their Thoroughbred mare, ‘Lady Coroner’ by ‘Coroner’. This combination won the EI 100 class at Ash Hollow’s inaugural event last August. Casey Webb, of Smith Brothers attained a mark of 70.3 to take the runner-up spot with ‘Will’ (‘Annaghmore Cornoko’), by ‘HHS Cornet’, owned by Campbell McLean. This six-year-old gelding competed under Eventing Ireland rules in the latter part of last year, winning in a heavily subscribed class at Tullymurry.
Casey Webb also proved her prowess in the Intermediate class, judged by Vanda Stewart, where she took the top two placings. ‘Kornelia’ (‘Aprils Pacino Time’) was the winner, scoring 66.6%. This 12-year-old ‘Pacino’ mare has competed up to 4* level. Stable mate, ‘HHF Elegance’ (‘Jessie’) took second place, scoring 63.7. This 14-year-old mare by ‘Watermill Swatch’ is jointly owned by Steven Smith and John Minford and successfully completed two 4* runs last year.
As the Flexi Series comes to an end, organisers want to extend a thank you to all the helpers over the seven weeks - judges, course designers, scribes, call up stewards, arena parties, office staff, hat taggers and scorers – their dedication to duty is exemplary and very much appreciated. This includes the NR Committee, who have been exceptional.
Thanks also to Aaron McCusker and his team at the Meadows Equestrian Centre for all their hard work and attention to detail, week on week.
Also, a deep debt of appreciation goes to Tori O’Connor and her team of photographers, who have captured all the action in every arena every week.
Finally, a sincere thank you to all the competitors who supported the League - it wouldn’t have been a competition without them and that support is valued immensely. Organisers hope they and their horses and ponies have benefitted from the seven weeks of intense training and look forward to welcoming them all back in January 2026.
AWARD WINNERS
BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS FLEXI EVENTING LEAGUE 2025
Presented by Judy Maxwell:
1) Catherine Cowan, Lady Remarque (Trophy, Sash, Rosette + Envelope); 2) Connor McClory, Bestman Bryan (Sash, Rosette + Envelope); 3) Zara Reid, Greylands Diamond Girl (Sash, Rosette + Envelope); 4) Nikki Cullen, Gemstone Ruby (Rosette + Envelope); 5) Robyn Rice, My Isabella (Rosette + Envelope); 6) Nikki Cullen, Lexi’s Ludo Breezer (Rosette + Envelope); 7) Kaiti McCann, Cookie (Rosette + Envelope); 8) Karina McVeigh, Cococabana (Rosette + Envelope); 9) Robyn Rice, Holiday Kruising (Rosette + Envelope); 10) Jessica Byrne, Carry On Platinum’s Edition (Rosette + Envelope); 11) Denis Currie, Arodstown Aramis (Rosette + Envelope); 12) Lauren Smyth, Hey There Delilah (Rosette + Envelope); 13) Jane Bruce, Minnie the Minx (Rosette + Envelope); 14) Sofie Halcrow, Clonminch Sally (Rosette + Envelope); 15) Sarah Cowan, Gleann Rua Storm (Rosette + Envelope).
Highest Placed Thoroughbred, sponsored by Treo Eile
Presented by Georgia Stubington:
Connor McClory, Bestman Bryan (Rug, Rosette + Envelope)
Top Riding Club Member in the League, sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds
Presented by Judy Maxwell:
Nikki Cullen, Gemstone Ruby, Gilford Riding Club (Rosette and Prize).
Top Pony Club Member
Presented by Judy Maxwell:
Catherine Cowan, Lady Remarque, Iveagh Branch of the Pony Club (Rosette and Prize).
Additional Prizes
Presented by Judy Maxwell:
Holly Rice, Supreme Dream - Having competed in all three disciplines every week (Voucher).
Rachael Burns, Cavalier Carry on Cruising - Having competed in all three disciplines every week (Voucher).
Joanna Tarasewicz, Prince Harry Trotter - For her enthusiasm for the Series and putting into practice her tips from the Alain Ponsot lesson to go clear cross-country (Voucher).
RESULTS
Saturday, February 22
Flexi Eventing Series - Week 7
Intro ‘A’ - Judge: Tina O’Connor:
1) Eimear Watson, Gaurlin Lady; 2) Kathryn Henderson, Betty; 3) Sophie Clugston, something Similar; 4) Ella Rose Sands, Rosie; =5) Rachel Williams, Entwistle Swann Song; Suzanne Maguire, Felix.
Intro ‘B’ - Judge: Lucinda Webb-Graham:
1) Lucca Stubington, Goofy; 2) Claire Ireland, Goin’ For Gold; 3) Kerry McGrady, Fonzie; =4) Chloe Thompson, Taffy; Zara Reid, Major Cross; 6) Jessica McClements, Mr Murphy.
Pre-Novice - Judge: Lucinda Webb-Graham:
1) Lucca Stubington, Harry; 2) Christine Findlay, Parklodge Over and Under; 3) Elaine O’Connor, Masha; 4) Kathy Charlton, Monty; 5) Tegan White-McMorrow, Woody; 6) Gracie Thompson-Logan, Fiddain Dash.
Novice - Judge: Vanda Stewart:
1) Alex Houston, Dinky; 2) Casey Webb, Will; 3) Lee Bloomfield, Leo; 4) Lee Bloomfield, Alfie; 5) Gillian Beale-King, Mino; 6) Lee Bloomfield, Heidi.
Intermediate - Judge: Vanda Stewart:
1) Casey Webb, Kornelia; 2) Casey Webb, Jessie; 3) Alex Houston, Indy.
Show Jumping (clear rounds)
70cm:
Amira Greeves, Sam; Eimear Watson, Gaurlin Lady; Kathryn Henderson, Betty.
80cm:
Amelia Wheeler, Lisnahall Miss Toffee; Amelia Wheeler, Midnight Minty; Arlene Greenaway, Warrior Bob; Claire Ireland, Goin’ For Gold; Ella-Rose Sands, Gemmy; Ella Rose Sands, Rosie; Helen Scott, Archie; Jonathan West, Sovereign; Jude Murphy, Cornaughy Supreme; Keeva McElhennon, Enda; Kiah Young, Willow; Molly Reid, Little Me; Olivia Stewart, RF Oblivion; Zara Reid, Kingsman Dave; Olivia Johns, Be Ok Candy Girl; Kara Cosgrave, Lee Villa Ben; David O’Connor, Hugo; Enya McLaughlin, Buddy.
90cm:
Ava McKay, Clonalee Tomboy; Catherine O’Hanlon, Thomas; Cheryl Stevenson, Rebel; Eve Fitzsimmons, Tiboy des Etisses; Jane Bruce, Minnie the Minx; Jonathan Steele, Julio; Kelsea Maginnis, Atlantic; Karina McVeigh, Cococabana; Kate Shields, Jimmy; Marina Stewart, Troy; Nikki Cullen, Danske Coevers Lass; Brooke Rafferty, Silver Earl; Robyn Rice, My Isabella; Rosie McCormick, Indigo Rose; Sarah Sloan, Moneyquid Black; Sofie Halcrow, Clonminch Sally; Andrew Mooney, Robin; Jamie-Lee MacKenzie, Lulu; Daniel Kennedy, Frank; Barbara Johns, Drumhowen Darlin Jazz.
1m:
Claire Liddle, Molly; Emma Stewart, Loughnageer Prince; Eve Lindsay, Tom; Hannah Bayfield, Ballerina; Jennifer Griffin, Doug; Jess Vaughan, Magic; Kathy Charlton, Ploti; Lauren Smyth, Hey There Delilah; Molly Goodwin, Otis; Shane Treanor, Jack; Tegan White-McMorrow, Pete; Victoria Mullen, Max; Zara Reid, Major Cross; Alex Best, Ollie; Elaine O’Connor, Masha; David O’Connor, Spice; Johnny Steele, Julio; Kerry McTaggert, Cassie; Kerry Magill, Cruz; Sarah McPolin, Magnum.
1.10m:
Rachel McKimmon, Bear; Shane Treanor, CJ; Shane Treanr, Hero; Tegan White-McMorrow, Woody; Kitty Cullen, ; Ellie Rose Martin, Alfie; Alex Houston, Dinky; Jessica Johnston, JJ; Hannah Bayfield, Ballerina; Janie Cairns, Kevin; Johnny Steele, Annie; Johnny Steele, Bessie; Nadia Scanlon, Colby; Jennifer McCurry, Kate; Brogan McCrum, Dora.
1.20m:
Cat Spence, Mabel; Janie Cairns, Stevie; Ellie Rose Martin, Star; Anita Doherty, Goldiva; Alex Houston, Dinky; Katie Robinson, Peggy; Kitty Cullen, Friday.
1.30m:
Shane Treanor, Lorenzo; Shane Treanor, Obie.
Cross-Country (clear rounds)
70cm:
Amy Roberts, Sonny; Eimear Watson, Gaurlin Lady; Elsa O’Kane, Derravaragh Peaches; Molly Reid, Little Me; Keeva McElhennon, Nina.
80cm:
Amy Robinson, Sherry; Asya Dixon, Annie; Ella Rose Sands, Rosie; Ella Rose Sands, Gemmy; Izzy Napier, Rocky; Helen Scott, Archie; Kerry McGrady, Fonzie; Emma McLaughlin, Buddy; Jude Murphy, Conaughy Supreme; Lesley Jones, Carnakilly Monarch; Victoria Mullen, Rock Expression; Zara Reid, Kingsman Dave; Mia Robinson, Rock; David O’Connor, Callie; Barbara Johns, Drumhowen Darlin Jazz.
90cm:
Ailish McBride, Tek Time Captain Cruise; Anne Killen, Alf; Ben Plunkett, Lizzie; Emma Ewing, Emmford Ella; Joanna Tarasewicz, Prince Harry Trotter; Jonathan Steele, Ossie; Caitlin Monaghan, Mr Pip; Karina McVeigh, Cococabana; Lesley Jones, Derrylackey Playboy; Lucca Stubington, Phoebe; Michaela Glass, Lurganbane Sally; Nikki Cullen, Danske Coevers Lass; Rachael Burns, Cavalier Carry On Cruising; Robyn Rice, My Isabella; Sofie Halcrow, Clonminch Sally; Victoria Mullen, Whitegate Zidane.
1m:
Eve Fitzsimmons, Tiboy; Holly Rice, Supreme Dream; Kate Shields, Jimmy; Tegan White-McMorrow, Pete; Ella Robinson, Indie; Lucca Stubington, Harry; Megan Houston, Western Ocala; Nicky Nesbitt, Kenny B; Victoria Mullen, Max; Jessica Simpson, Solomon; Freya Kennedy, Skye; Freya Kennerdy, Dixie; Nicola Martin, Misty; Andrew Napier, Elsa.
Treo Eile League:
1) Connor McClory, Bestman Bryan; 2) Jane Bruce, Minnie The Minx; 3) Holly Rice, Supreme Dream; 4) Erin McClernon, Jumper D’Ainay; 5) Heather Champion, Royale Getaway; 6) Emma Wallace, Wantsandneeds.