The Ulster Region 1.35m Grand Prix Series is now well underway, having completed the second leg of the series with a very successful show at Connell Hill Equestrian Centre on Saturday the 18th of July. Gillian Creighton, the owner of Connell Hill Equestrian Centre, commented: “We are delighted to host the second leg of the Ulster Region 1.35m Grand Prix Series this year. It has been great to see riders back in the saddle and competing again after lockdown. I was really impressed by the standard of competition, professionalism and turnout today by all. All competitors have been extremely compliant with all the COVID-19 protocols we have implemented across the showgrounds, and I would like to thank everyone for the continued co-operation.”
The weather held up throughout the day, allowing for superb competition from the start. Competitors were tested to a challenging course built by Nigel Jess and the prize fund for each class attracted a fantastic turnout for all classes. The Grand Prix class had spectators on the edge of their seats with Olivia A Roulston, Natasha Carolan and John McLaughlin all qualifying for the jump-off. However, it was John McLaughlin who came out on top, with a superb clear round, in a time of 41.02, riding his own home-bred horse, Lincourt Luidam. This was a super ending to a great day of competition, leaving competitors looking forward to the next leg of the Ulster Region 1.35m Grand Prix Series and other upcoming shows.
We have a busy schedule ahead, with the SJI Summer League continuing each Thursday throughout July and August. We are also looking forward to hosting The Youngster Tour on the 9th of August. All entries for SJI competitions to be completed via the www.sjilive.ie website. We are also continuing to ensure that those who wish to compete unregistered, have the opportunity to do so and so there will be an Unregistered Show for Horses and Ponies on Saturday the 25th of August, commencing at 10 am. All entries for this and similar shows can be found at the Shows tab at the top of the website.
1m 1st Fiona Thompson, Curolea Roni; 2nd Denis O’Brien Kilcurry Liberos Flight; 3rd Amy Wilson, Vagabond; 4th Karen Pearson, Hanley News; 5th Danielle Kennedy, Demero; 6th Caroline Gaston, Attyrory Ark.
1.1m 1st Finn Osborne, Chicco Camiro; 2nd Abby Morton, Blueoak Yogi; 3rd Victoria Brown, Clover; 4th Sarah Kinnear, Elf Queen; 5th Niccola Hall, Ladykiller; 6th Sarah Burns, Georgies Star.
1.2m 1st Abbey Morton, Blueoak Yogi; 2nd Olivia Roulston Avalent; 3rd Barry McCormack, KingsChoice; 4th Luke Campbell, Newmarket Trooper; 5th Victoria Brown, Calgot Cruise; 6th Simon Scott, Luxs Like Candy.
Regional Grand Prix Tour 1.35m 1st John McLaughlin Lincourt Luidam, 2nd Natasha Carolan Halina HL, 3rd Olivia A Roulston Erico, 4th Simon Scott, Ploverfield Lilyana.
