Saintfield Horse Show launched in style

Downpatrick Racecourse hosted the launch, with the show due to take place on August 24

Downpatrick Racecourse kindly hosted the launch of the 16th Saintfield Horse Show in style, in the magnificent surroundings of The Brownlow Suite. Racecourse Manager Ruth Morrison, along with Richard Lyttle, Directors of Downpatrick and staff, welcomed Saintfield Horse Show Director Joan Cunningham, sponsors, guests and the Horse Show team.

The show will take place on Saturday, August 24 and is kindly hosted by Andrew and Laura Napier, Hazeldene Farm, Ballynahinch.

Saintfield Horse Show Team, from left, Joan Cunningham, Debbie Quinn, Megan Hamill, Elma Newberry, Mandy Pryce, Pius Kulama and Paddy Rafferty pictured at the launch of this year’s show.

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Joan Cunningham said: "We are absolutely delighted that Andrew and Laura  have given us the opportunity to have our Show at their fabulous Equestrian Centre.”

Derek Spencer (Show Commentator), Megan Hamill, Joan Cunningham, Laura and Andrew Napier (hosts of this year’s Saintfield Horse Show), pictured at the launch of this year’s show.

The Show will kick off at 9.30am with all Horse showing classes in Ring 1 and Ring 2, which will include The  Downpatrick Racecourse Racehorse to Riding Horse, The Ulster Tatler Ladies’ Side Saddle Championship and The H&J Martin Supreme Championship. The Pony Rings 3 and 4 will include in-hand showing, ridden ponies, lead rein and a range of family pony classes. There will also be a Miniature Horse Championship. Andrew Napier will design the Working Hunter course.

Ruth Morrison (Manager of Downpatrick Racecourse), Gertrude Steele (Downpatrick Racecourse), Adele Rea (Director of Downpatrick Racecourse), Joan Cunningham (Show Director), Anne Millar and her daughter Shemaine, pictured at the launch of this year’s show.

A special Celebrity fun class is being organised at the minute. The Equestrian Celebrities will be dressed up in fancy gear. They will be interviewed when they arrive into the arena. There will be lots of prizes for the most entertaining, the best fancy dress, the most stylish rider etc and rosettes for everyone. This is NOT to be missed.

Presentation of Cup by Saintfield Horse Show, in loving memory of Michael Andrews, who sadly passed away a year ago. From left, Robin Patterson, Delia Andrews (Michael’s widow), Joan Cunningham (Michael’s sister), Neil Andrews (Michael’s son) and Vi Patterson.

If singing is your talent, then there is something for you... Saintfield Horse Show's Got Talent... This is a singing contest and Live Country music will entertain everyone and back the Singing Talent competitors. If dressing up is your thing, then watch out for the judge who will be choosing the Most Appropriately Dressed Lady at the show.

Cllr. Terry Andrews, Robert Burgess (Sliver Croob), Joan Cunningham and Maurice Hanna pictured at the launch of this year’s Saintfield Horse Show.

Don't forget to bring your dog for the pet dog classes!

Jim Scott, Anna Pearson, Lyn Dunlop and Willie Pearson pictured at the launch of this year’s Saintfield Horse Show.

Every penny raised at the show will go towards bringing the Children’s Choir over next year from Uganda for the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride. Saintfield Horse Show and Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride are also organising a GRAND CHARITY BALL on Friday, November 8 at La Mon House Hotel. This will be a Black Tie occasion and promises to be the best night of the year!

Leo Casement, Iona McCreary, Megan Hamill and Joan Cunningham pictured at the launch of this year’s Saintfield Horse Show.

The schedule for the show is now out and entries are open on the website:    www.saintfieldhorseshow.com

For enquiries, contact: joancunningham1@gmail.com  or 07775 860744.

Joan Cunningham and Leo Casement pictured at the launch of this year’s Saintfield Horse Show.