Successes celebrated at SJI Ulster Region Horse Awards
Ulster Region horses and riders in the spotlight at Corick House
The Ulster Region of Show Jumping Ireland held their Horse Awards Evening for 2024 at Corick House Hotel and Spa in Clogher on Saturday, January 11.
The Ulster Region Events Committee had put on an evening to remember, with many successes of Ulster Region athletes and horses throughout the year at all levels of competition to celebrate.
A vast array of awards were presented on the night, to recognise success at National level, starting with regional awards for the Fraser Homes Ulster Grand Prix Series right through to Olympic participation. Two very worthy recipients were also recognised on the night for their contributions to show jumping.
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The Special Recognition Award for 2024 was presented to Richard Lyttle and the SJI 70th Anniversary ‘Roll of Honour’ Recipient, Eamonn Rice was also acknowledged. Both men were deservedly recognised for their longstanding and valuable contribution to the show jumping world, in a variety of different guises.
The very coveted ‘Ulster Region Breeders’ Cup’ (SVS Sport Horses Perpetual Cup) was presented to William Greene of Edentrillick Sport Horses, who bred ‘Edentrillick Special Edition’, a five-year-old finalist at Lanaken World Championships and ‘Edentrillick Twisted Pixie’, winner of the four-year-old RDS qualifier at the Meadows Equestrian Centre and placed fourth in the Four-Year-Old Championship at Dublin Horse Show.
Rookie of the Year title went to Katie McEntee, who had a successful year, starting at the Sunshine Tour in Spain, which concluded with three wins and placings, alongside ‘Kinmar Bespoke’ placing in the CSI four-star 1.45m LR. Meanwhile, the Junior Rookie of the Year was awarded to Aidan O’Brien, who was unable to attend on the evening, as he is currently competing in America with Daniel Coyle. Aidan was ably represented by his brother James.
Daniel Coyle was also recognised for his participation in the Paris Olympic Games and his award was collected, on his behalf, by fellow Derry man andshow jumping stalwart, Gerry McCloskey.
Niamh McEvoy had an incredible year in 2024. She was a prolific winner, at both National and International level, and she received an ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ for her exceptional results during the year.
Niamh made history by winning both the Five-Year-Old World Championship and the Five-Year-Old Consolation Final at the 2024 World Breeding Championships at Lanaken.
Niamh qualified for the international classes at the RDS 2024 and was the Leading Young Rider of the Plusvital Show Jumping Ireland Premier Series. She was also recognised as the highest placed Ulster Region athlete in the RDS four-year-old and six-year-old championships, as well as receiving the ‘Best Young Horse’ award for ‘Boleybawn Alvaro’.
A total of 17 FEI Participation (Abroad) recipients were acknowledged, which is testiment to the strong position of show jumping in the Ulster Region. Niamh Devlin was there on the night to receive the Junior/ Young Rider FEI Commendation Award for her outstanding results on the International circuit throughout 2024, while Joanne Sloan Allen won the ‘Ulster Region Owner Recognition Award’ for a winning Grand Prix horse at four-star level and above.
The formal part of the night concluded with the awards voted for by the public, which are always closely contended. The Venue of the Year was won by Cavan Equestrian Centre and Camryn Clarke collected the award. Show of the Year was awarded to the National Balmoral Championships, which was greatly appreciated by members of the organising team, who were in attendance. ‘Groom of the Year’ was voted for and awarded to Seaneen Duggan, who works as part of the team at WKD Show jumping.
It was time for the auction and raffle to take place and, with such a variety of lots and prizes on offer, this was an exciting part of the evening, ably facilitated by the MC and Auctioneer on the night Andrew Thompson, who did a marvellous job ensuring the smooth running of the evening.
It was then time for the partying to begin and that it did… The ‘Disco King’ provided the music and got 2025 off to a lively start, with the dance floor soon filled with some enthusiastic revellers.
The events committee, under the chairmanship of Aldyth Roulston, would like to extend their thanks all those who contributed to the night, to make it the success that it was - those who donated or sponsored fabulous auction items and impressive raffle prizes, Corick House and Spa, the Disco King and especially all those who attended and made the night so special.
Aldyth Roulston said afterwards: “On behalf of the Awards Committee, I would like to thank everyone who joined us at our annual Show Jumping Ireland Ulster Region Awards and trust everyone had an enjoyable evening.
“I would also like thank my fellow members on the Ulster Region Committee for their fantastic efforts and support in making this all happen.”
Wishing everyone a safe and successful 2025 season!
AWARDS
Saturday, January 11, 2025
SJI Ulster Region Horse Awards
Corick House Hotel, Clogher
REGIONAL AWARDS
Fraser Homes Ulster Grand Prix Series
90cm– Portmore Equestrian Perpetual Cup:
1) Lesley Coey; 2) Ellie Ward; 3) Jan Brown.
90cm Sports Member - The Sports Members League Perpetual Shield:
1) Lesley Coey; 2) Ellie Ward; 3) Jan Brown.
1m - The MEC Perpetual Cup:
1) Niamh McFall; 2) Naomi McCavana; 3) Shannon Curran.
1m ‘A’ Amateur:
1) Naomi McCavana; 2) Courtney Sloan; 3) Jessica Mark.
1m Young Rider:
Shannon Curran.
1.10m - The Smyth Sport Horses Perpetual Cup:
1) Beverley Irwin; 2) Emma Jackson; 3) Adam Adair.
SJI ULSTER REGION YOUNG HORSE SERIES
Five-Year-Old:
1) Emma Jackson; 2) Edward Little; 3) David Nelson.
Six-Year-Old:
1) Kevin Mackey; 2) Edward Little; 3) Edward Little.
SPORTS MEMBER POINTS CUP
SCHOCKEMÖHLE INDOOR DERBY
A Amateur:
Sophie McKeen, Pinecroft Kamiro.
AA Amateur:
Nicole Fox, Bluestones Ludo.
NATIONAL BALMORAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
90cm Championship:
1) Lesley Coey, Alfie II; 2) Ellie Ward, Ardnaglass Lizzy; 3) David Gibson, Ashfield Red Ginger.
1m Championship – The McGinn Family Perpetual Cup:
1) Fiona Thompson, O’Harabrook; 2) Caitlin Jolly, Dalens Dream; 3) Grace McGarry, Imanthos.
1.10m Championship - The Eglinton Equestrian Perpetual Cup:
1) Emma Jackson, Vanderbitt; 2) Caitlin Jolly, Dalens Dream; 3) Niamh McFall, Bay of Biscay.
1.20m Championship - The Lakeland Leisure & Sports Perpetual Cup:
1) Ava Stubbs, Tullyhill Lucy Diamond; 2) Emma Jackson, Vanderbitt; 3) Tyrone Flanagan, Trebra Indoctro Cruise.
1.30m Championship - The Agon Ltd Perpetual Cup:
1) Alfie Adair, Tullyneagh.
Amateur Championship - The Annaghmore Perpetual Cup:
1) Megan Nelson, Fancy Trend; 2) Symone Brown, Global Merlot; 3) Rachel McCaughey, Ardglen Stardust.
1.20m Young Riders Championship - WR Adrain & Sons Perpetual Cup:
1) Ava Stubbs, Tullyhill Lucy Diamond.
Four-Year-Old Championship - The Colin Thompson & Family Perpetual Cup:
1) Melissa Tinney, Ballyheeran Cornet; 2) Edward Little, Carnlea Chinos Lulu; 3) Rachel McKimmon, Origin Blue.
Five-Year-Old Championship - Eamonn Rice Bloodstock Perpetual Cup:
1) Aidan O’Brien, Rock Angelo.
Six-Year-Old Championship - The Capital Reinforcing Perpetual Cup:
1) Lucy Gibson, Lady Catoki.
Seven-Year Old Championship - The Electro-Tech Machinery Ltd Perpetual Cup:
1) Clem McMahon, Carneyhaugh Unison.
BALMORAL CSI2*
Five-Year-Old Championship – The John Black & Family Perpetual Cup:
Olivia Roulston, Drumrankin Ebony.
Six-Year-Old Championship – Tailored Equestrian Perpetual Cup:
Olivia Roulston, Drumrankin Dignity.
Seven-Year-Old Championship – The Neal Doherty & Family Perpetual Cup:
Olivia Roulston, Louieland.
1.35m Championship – The Brown Family Perpetual Cup:
Ellie Humphries, Jalandra.
Amateur ‘A’ – Corick House Hotel & Spa Perpetual Cup:
Danielle Logan, Demero.
Amateur ‘AA’ - Quinns Corner Bar & Restaurant Perpetual Cup:
Gwyn Yemm, Doonini Z.
CAVAN CLASSIC
Five-Year-Old Cavan Classic - The Maddybenny Perpetual Cup:
Olivia Roulston, Drumrankin Ebony.
Hankook Six/Seven-Year-Old Cavan Classic - The Gerry McCloskey Perpetual Cup:
Megan McGettigan, Belmondo.
Ulster Region Rider/ Young Horse Combinations - Highest Points Winners
Four-Year-Olds:
=1) Alex McMaster, Brookfield Queen C; Danni Jennings, Glasdrumman Girl on Fire.
Five-Year-Old:
1) Gary Jackson, DStud Billy Elloitt.
Six-Year-Old:
1) Kevin Mackey, Caugherty Ronan.
Seven-Year-Old:
1) Shannon Robinson, Drumiller Da Vinci.
NATIONAL AWARDS
Five-Year-Old – Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel Perpetual Cup:
Michael Roche, MHS Million on my Mind.
Six-Year-Old – Linda Courtney Show jumping Perpetual Cup:
Lucy Gibson, Lady Katoki.
The S & S Sporthorses Perpetual Cup:
Catherine Thornton.
Coolmore/ Show Jumping Ireland Premier Grand Prix Series
The Mountcastle Farms Perpetual Cup:
Niamh McEvoy.
The Gain Alltech National Grand Prix Series
The Crindle Stables Perpetual Cup:
Jonathan Smyth.
Show Jumping Ireland Autumn Grand Prix
The Eglinton Equestrian Club Perpetual Cup:
Katie McEntee.
NATIONAL YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS
1m Young Rider Championship - The Watt Family Perpetual Cup:
No Ulster recipient.
1.10m Young Rider Championship - The Curran Family Perpetual Cup:
Connie McFadden.
1.20m Young Rider Championship - The Contract Services Perpetual Cup:
Connie McFadden.
1.20 Young Rider Classic:
Eoghan Trainor.
1.30m Young Rider Championship - The McIntyre Family Perpetual Cup:
Camryn Clarke.
1.40m Young Rider Championship - The Alland Perpetual Cup:
Camryn Clarke.
SJI SUMMER SERIES
90cm SJI Summer Series: Laura Haughey.
1m SJI Summer Series: Niamh McFall.
1.10m SJI Summer Series: Ava Stubbs.
1.20m SJI Summer Series: Caroline Gaston.
HIBERNIA HORSES
Five-Year-Old Horses: Charlotte Harding.
Six-Year-Old Horses: Kyle McLaughlin.
Seven-Year-Old Horses: Annie Courtney Cadam.
1.20m Horses: Cara McFadden.
ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY (RDS) DUBLIN HORSE SHOW AWARDS
QUALIFIED COMBINATIONS
Four-Year Olds:
Carl Webb; Hannah Agnew; Niamh McEvoy; Micheal Roche; Camryn Clarke; Tom Hearne; Ben Walsh; Catherine Thornton; Kerry Taggart.
Five-Year-Olds:
Olivia Roulston; Dylan Ward; Shane Treanor.
Six-Year-Olds:
Niamh McEvoy; Conor McEneaney; Shane Reilly; John McEntee; Kerry Taggart; Camryn Clarke.
Seven- & Eight-Year-Olds:
Clem McMahon; Dermot Lennon.
Amateurs:
Amy McLaughlin; Catriona Cody; Caroline Gaston; Danielle Logan; Egle Zakaralte; Gwyn Yemm; Megan Nelson; Roisin Donnelly.
Young Rider 1.10/1.15m:
Aidan O’Brien; Lucy Morton.
Young Rider 1.25/1.30m:
Annie Gibson; Rebecca Smyth.
Young Rider 1.35/1.40m:
Robert Russell.
RDS CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS
AWARDED TO HIGHEST PLACED ULSTER REGION ATHLETES
Four-Year-Old Championship - The Meadows Equestrian Centre Perpetual Cup:
Niamh McEvoy, BP Wishes.
Five-Year-Old Championship – Derek Reid & Family Perpetual Cup:
Shane Treanor, Mallbeck.
Six-Year-Old – Tullyraine Veterinary Clinic Perpetual Cup:
Niamh McEvoy, Boleybawn Alvaro.
Seven-Year-Old – Shirley Kernan Memorial Perpetual Cup:
Dermott Lennon, Kinmar Right on Time.
Eight-Year-Old – The Sparkling Stud Perpetual Cup:
Clem McMahon, Clonterm Obolensky.
1.10-1.15m Young Rider – The Cassidy Family Perpetual Cup:
Caroline Gaston, Miss Roman Kora.
YOUNG HORSE AWARD
Best Young Horse– The CHS Krooze Perpetual Cup:
Niamh McEvoy, Boleybawn Alvaro.
SJI National Training Bursary:
Alfie Adair.
Special Recognition Award for 2024:
Richard Lyttle.
SJI 70th Anniversary ‘Roll of Honour’ Recipient:
Eamonn Rice.
Ulster Region Breeders’ Cup - SVS Sport Horses Perpetual Cup:
William Green, Edentrillick Sport Horses.
Breeder of:
Edentrillick Special Edition – Five-Year-Old Finalist – Lanaken World Breeders Championships
Edentrillick Twisted Pixie - Four-Year Old RDS Qualifier winner, Meadows Equestrian Centre & placed fourth in Four-Year Old Championship in Dublin Horse Show.
Rookie of the Year - Dermott Lennon Perpetual Cup:
Katie McEntee.
Junior Rookie of the Year - Ronan McLaughlin Equestrian Perpetual Cup:
Aidan O’Brien.
Outstanding Achievement Awards:
Niamh McEvoy
Making history winning both the Five-Year-Old World Championship and Five-Year-Old Consolation Final at the 2024 FEI World Breeding Championships in Lanaken.
Gaining qualification for the international classes at RDS 2024.
Leading Young Rider of the Plusvital Show Jumping Ireland Premier Series.
Ulster Region Horse Show of the Year:
National Balmoral Championships.
Ulster Region Venue of the Year:
Cavan Equestrian Centre.
Groom of the Year:
Seaneen Duggan (part of the team at WKD Show jumping).