LISA ROSBOTHAM CLAIMS LEAGUE IN EXCITING FINISH AT CAVAN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

With Points and a half for the Final Leg and the Leaderboard showing that combinations with only 6 points could come into the top 3 in the League, 80 horses took on Stuart Clarke’s testing course on Saturday evening.

League Leaders Jordan Coyle with May Scott’s Cayetana and James Kernan and Tarquin M did not compete nor did last years winning rider John Floody with Castelroche La Roche. John was involved in the Premier Series at Ennis.

Kirsty Chambers, well placed in the League faulted in the first round as did Harvey Smith and Dream Touch and Eric Pele and Dickson’s Dream

Thirteen made it through to the jump off but it was not until 10th in David Taylor gave us a clear in 64.35secs, just inside the time allowed,  to take the lead at this stage.

Alexander Butler and Kilcor Amber quickly bettered this with a clear in 52.79secs.

However with Lisa Rosbotham in second place in the League the pressure was on. Lisa with her Stallion Valent rode an impeccable round to stop the clock in 52.32secs to win the class and take over the lead with 35 points in the League going on to Sunday’s Final.

The Final Leg on Sunday saw 61 combinations start and the course did not pose the same problems as the previous day with 27 going through to a very exciting Jump Off.

Conor Swail was first to go with Norman Allen’s Cara Touche and set what looked to be an unbeatable timestopping the clock in 32.73secs and clear. Daniel Coyle with his father’s Rebel Z came close with a clear in a time of 33.24secs. Poles then started to fall as riders tried hard to catch the leader. Resident rider in Cavan Wagner Ayres, and Stuart Clarke’s Shalom Phoenix, tenth into the jump off had a very good clear but was not quite fast enough. Ciara Ennis with Susan Liddy’s Screenline H kept all the fences standing with a clear in 44.22 to ensure her a place in the line up.

With just 9 left to jump Peter Smyth and Martin Kenny’s Corrib House looked to be in touch to take the lead and stopped the clock in 32.89secs which was to eventually finish in third place.

Tracy Gallagher with her mother’s That’s All Right also jumped a clear and slotted into the line up in ninth.

Stephen Smith and Robert Hancock’s experienced Stallion Laraghlease Western Desert took all the chances and threw caution to the wind to gallop down the arena from the penultimate fence to the last oxer. What did not seem possible to achieve had the crowd on their feet as the clock stopped in 32.38secs. This put Stephen into the lead and with 4 left to go, all of whom were in contention to win the overall League, the competition became very exciting.

Next in Eric Pele and Patricia McAuley’s Dickson’s Dream was trying hard but unfortunately with two fences down this knocked him out of the reckoning. Harvey Smith with his own Dream Touch also rolled just one pole but left him out of the placings. It was left to Kirsty Chambers and Marlene Robinson’s Ronald to jump a good clear which was good enough to finish in sixth place and ensure them second in the overall League.

Last to go was Lisa Rosbotham and her own stallion Valent. Lisa had her mind firmly set on taking the League winners prize of the Ifor Williams Trailer, sponsored by Clare Trailers and the Ulster Region SJI, home to County Down and was not disappointed when jumping a lovely clear to slot her into eighth in the competiton and ensuring her the pole position with 39points, in the Ulster Grand Prix 1.30(S) League.

Runner –Up in the League and receiving the Equestrian Store and Ulster Region SJI sponsored saddle was a delighted young rider, Kirsty Chambers and Ronald who finished on 29 points.

In Third place in the League was Stephen Smith and Robert Hancock’s Stallion Laraghlease Western Desert whose win in the final leg saw him climb up the leaderboard to finish on 25 points and receive the Equestrian Store and Ulster Region SJI sponsored bridle and set of horse boots.

The Ulster Region SJI Grand Prix League with competitions set at 1.35m is a popular class and has received growing support throughout 2010 which is only the second year of running.

Initially the brain child of Stuart Clarke of Cavan Equestrian Centre, this League had 16 legs running at shows throughout Ulster between May and August in 2010.

The Ulster Region SJI wishes to extend a big thank you to Martin Wilson of Clare Trailers and also to Sharon and Jamie McGinn of the Equestrian Store, Portadown, for their sponsorship. Our thanks also to all the shows and competitors who supported this league and we look forward to 2011 when hopefully further sponsorship will be able to be secured.
 

KERNAN ADDS SECOND WIN TO HIS ULSTER GRAND PRIX TALLY

James Kernan added to his home win a fortnight ago when winning the Clare Trailers/Equestrian Store NI Ulster Grand Prix in Omagh on Saturday.

FLOODY AND SMITH TAKE ULSTER GRAND PRIX DOUBLE HEADER IN CAVAN

Cavan Equestrian Centre last weekend hosted a double header in the Equestrian Store NI/Clare Trailers Ulster Grand Prix with a leg of Saturday and Sunday of their Horse and Young Rider Show.

Both days, experience came the fore with John Floody and Larkhill Cruiser taking the top prize on Saturday and that was followed by the partnership of Stephen Smith with Laraghlease Western Desert.

Saturday’s class yielded a strong entry of 47 faced Course Designer Stuart Clarke for the €1,200 class for which the aforementioned Floody claimed the top two spots in a 12 way jump off. 

Floody claimed the only two double clear’s of the contest and with Michael Smith’s Larkhill Cruiser, they posted a time of 42.79 which proved to be easy win for the son of Cruising.  Having been second to go, Floody needed to put in a good round to be ensured of a high place and they went into the lead following this round. 

Floody then claimed second with Paula Rafter’s PMR Cabalero.  Going last in the timed round, Floody knew that a clear would leave him second following a host of four faults.  However, their steady round proved vital and they broke the beam in 54.86 and clear to leave them in second spot. 

Following the class Floody commented on the two horses; ‘’It was a good warm up for Larkhill Cruiser for the Premier Series in Omagh and Blessington this weekend.  I was delighted with the performance of the two horses.  PMR Cablero was excellent both days.  It is a great league that is well supported and Stuart did a great job, they were great tracks both days and there were very good results.’’

Eventual third John McGuiness was possibly most unlucky of all having posted the fastest time in the jump off but with a fence down they were left lying in third place.  Having several solid combinations following, McGuinness made a dash for victory but was out of luck when stopping the clock in 42.63 but with four faults on the board.

The line up then moved back to Meath based Floody with Castleroche La Roche.  Floody posted a good time on the son of Padarco however, they were another to take four faults with them having finished in 44.51 to take fourth.

Harvey Smith slotted into fifth with Dream Touch as another on four faults just ahead of Mary Ellen Rice and Tell It Like who picked up 7 faults in the deciding round to take sixth.

The League then moved to Sunday where it again provided the highlight of the competition and another €1,200 on offer.

Again Stuart Clarke set a stiff task on the Grass Arena with another entry of 39 which was then whittled down to 14 combinations facing the clock.

The reliable combination of Stephen Smith with Laraghlease Western Desert threw down the gauntlet going as last to go in the deciding round and they made sure of the victory as they stopped the clock in 53.55. 

League leader, Jordan Coyle and Cayetana and last weekend’s winners Delyth Collins and Creevagh Miss Jones were the only combinations to beat Smith’s time however, both picked up four faults along the way to finish in fifth and sixth respectively.

A rider who has made some gallant strides this year is 22 year old Aidan Loftus with his father’s home bred Stallion Hi Kilrainey.  The pair picked a top ten place in the Chippison Spring Tour and were also in the top 10 in one of the International Classes at the Mullingar International Horse Show.  They continued their good run of form here with a double clear and although their time was a long way from Smith’s they were good enough for second having stopped the clock in 57.32.

Saturday’s winner John Floody again claimed some of the prize money with Paula Rafter’s PMR Cabalero.  They again decided to take the steady route and opted for the clear round and that is exactly what Floody produced.  Their time of 60.86 and clear was good enough to take third just ahead of the winner Stephen Smith who also took fourth with his own Lenox Griffin. 

Smith was the final rider to complete a double clear round and following the class he commented on his win; ‘’The two horses were in great form and I was lucky I had the last draw and I was pleased Laraghlease was fit to take advantage.  He will now go to the Premier Series in Omagh now this weekend.  He jumped a great round on Sunday and I was delighted John Floody didn’t go too quick!’’

Following these two legs of the Jordan Coyle remains at the head of the table with May Scott’s Cayetana and they are seven points clear of their nearest rivals, Delyth Collins and Creevagh Miss Jones.  The next leg of the Equestrian Store NI/Clare Trailers Ulster Grand Prix league takes place today at the Omagh Premier Series Show.

Kernan takes home win in the Ulster Grand Prix League

James Kernan and Tarquin M (left) pictured here competing at the Ballivor Horse Show earlier this month

James Kernan took a home win on Sunday in the Clare Trailers/Equestrian Store Ulster Grand Prix at his home Equestrian Centre in Crossmaglen riding his own Tarquin M.

This was the fourth leg of the league and produced 33 starters to the Armagh venue with €1,200 on offer for the Grand Prix.

Kernan acted as the pathfinder in the ten horse jump off and set a tough standard to beat clocking a time of 38.44.  This 10 Year old son of Quick Star has produced very solid results this year to date recording a double clear in each round of competition which includes a third place finish at the Ballivor Horse Show recently.

Their time was unable to be beaten and Kernan took his first Grand Prix win since picking up an Autumn Grand Prix win at Clonshire in 2004.  Following the win Kernan commented; ‘’’It was a great turn out and the ground was brilliant.  The horse jumped great, he was third in two classes in Ballivor last week and we are building towards the National Grand Prix.’’

Slotting into second was Lisa Rosbotham on her own Valent.  The pair who were placed third at Banbridge the previous week, were again in the placings and follow on their good form to go with the horse’s third place in the Mullingar International Grand Prix.  They broke the beam in a time of 39.30. to take the blue ribbon.

Third place then went to Young Rider Aoife Kelly and Carte D’Or who recorded a time of 41.94. Tom Doherty finished just behind her in fourth with Liezel Lux who recorded a time of 41.57 and were the last of the four double clear rounds.

The eventual winner James Kernan took another spot on the line up by taking fifth with Wild Dancer as the fastest of the four faulters in the second round.  Lisa Rosbotham also took two prizes on the day as she took sixth place with Danton.

The Ulster Grand Prix League now continues with two legs of the league taking place in Cavan this weekend.

Collins takes Mavis Roulston Memorial Grand Prix in Enniskillen

Delyth Collins provided a thrilling end to the jump off in the third leg of the Clare Trailers/Equestrian Store Ulster Grand Prix at Enniskillen on Saturday riding Ronnie Hollinger’s Creevagh Miss Jones.

The pair came out on top of a tightly fought battle with Jordan Coyle with just .07 seconds separating the two riders in the €1,200 Grand Prix for which the winner received the Mavis Roulston Memorial Cup.  The Roulston family have been heavily involved in the Enniskillen Show and having lost Mavis earlier this year in an accident, this was a very emotional occasion for all present.

Collins steered the daughter of Dow Jones Courcel to the narrowest of victories in the nine horse jump off.  The pair were the penultimate combination into the ring for the jump off and they stopped the clock in a time of 39.09 to move them to the head of the pack.

Last to go, Jordan Coyle and Cayetana put in a good effort to make it two wins in succession in the league, however, they just missed out by the narrowest margin.  The second of four double clears, Coyle broke the beam in 39.16 to leave them in second and grant Delyth Collins with the win.

Following the class Ronnie Hollinger owner of Creevagh Miss Jones said that he was deeply honoured to be the first recipient of such a beautiful cup.

‘’Enniskillen show like many shows in 2008 and 2009 was plagued by bad weather but that was far away on saturday when in the glorious setting of Necarne Castle the show was a resounding success’’, he continued.

Gabriel Tunney and Ace High Mike set the standard for all to follow, however, he left a lot of room for those following.  His time of 44.84 and clear left them in the lead and they remained there until third last to go Simon Scott entered the arena.

Riding Dullerton Eclipse, Scott posted a time of 40.20 to move him to provisional pole position.  However, his time at the top did not last long as next in was the eventual winner. 

So the third leg in Enniskillen went to Delyth Collins and Creevagh Miss Jones.  Their narrow win moved them into third on the leaderboard which is this year being based on the Horse and Rider combination.  Second placed Jordan Coyle now moves to the head of affairs with Cayetana on 18 points.

Coyle steers Cayetana to their first victory

Young Rider Jordan Coyle produced a memorable effort in the second leg of the Clare Trailers/Equestrian Store NI Ulster Grand Prix League at Banbridge Show on Sunday.

The 17 Year Old Derry native steered his new mount Cayetana to victory in the 17 way jump off from the original 49 starters. 

Originally the ride of Clem McMahon, Coyle took the reins on May Scott’s 10 Year old mare only last month and has had some solid results having had just two fences down in the Ravensdale National Grand Prix and the Mullingar International Grand Prix.  Sunday’s win marks a marvellous start to their partnership having recorded a double clear in 43.79 which left him nearly three seconds clear of his nearest pursuer.

Another in the Young Rider ranks, Kirsty Chambers slotted into second place with Marlene Robinson’s Ronald.  Winners on the Ulster Grand Prix league in 2009, Chambers recorded a double clear but her time of 46.22 left them well adrift of Coyle.

Lisa Rosbotham took the next rosette with the impressive Stallion Valent.  This horse was placed last week in the Mullingar International Grand Prix under the guidance of former World Champion Dermott Lennon.  They slotted into third on that occasion and it was third again on Sunday for the Hors La Loi sired Stallion.  Rosbotham recorded a time of 46.57 and clear to just miss out on second place.

Next in the line up was a third Young Rider with Holly Gordon and Believe Me, who competed on the Junior European Team last year.  They stopped the clock in a time of 48.23 and with their double clear it left them good enough for fourth place.

John McLaughlin and Lincourt Gino took fifth in a time of 48.57.  They finished just ahead of the last double clear which came from Richard Murray and Copney who broke the beam in 48.85 to take sixth.

Ulster Region Secretary Janet Currie commented on the latest leg of the Ulster Grand Prix League; ‘’We had fabulous weather.  The huge entries which resulted in Grand Prix being rather later than anticipated but in the cooler late afternoon the standard of jumping in this leg of ulster grand prix was superb.  Let's hope for the remaining legs to be so successful. The jumps with many new features including a bicycle jump added to the interest of the many spectators who watched the Grand Prix.’’

The strength of the Young Riders in Ireland has become more and more evident each year and with the addition of several classes such as the Pegus Horse Feeds Young Rider Development League, gives the Young Rider more opportunities.  With four out of the top 10 in Sunday’s Grand Prix (Frank Curran in 7th), the talent in the Ulster Region is becoming stronger with every year. 

The Ulster Grand Prix league continues this weekend with a double header as Enniskillen Horse Show host the League on Saturday before travelling to James Kernan’s Equestrian Centre in Crossmaglen on Sunday.

RESULT
1. May  Scott  Cayetana   Jordan Coyle  0/0 43.79
2. Marlene Robinson Ronald    Kirsty Chambers 0/0/46.22
3. Lisa Rosbotham  Valent    Lisa Rosbotham  0/0/46.57
4. Alison Gordon  Believe Me   Holly Gordon  0/0/48.23
5. Brian McLaughlin Lincourt Gino   John McLaughlin 0/0/48.57
6. Richard Murray  Copney    Richard Murray  0/0/49.85
7. John Curran  Lolita    Frank Curran  0/(4) 42.15
8. Mary McShane  Da Rude   Mary McShane  0/(4) 44.28
9. Karen McAnerney Dansson   Suzanne Posnett 0/(4) 45.64
10. Ronnie Hollinger Creevagh Miss Jones  Delyth Collins  0/(4) 46.10

ULSTER  REGION  -  HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES

The Ulster Region, SJI, in conjunction with Sport N.I., has an exciting new project for 2010, whereby we aim to introduce a series of training initiatives to assist with the identification of our talented young athletes of the future.  This will be run in conjunction with Sport N.I’s funding programme for 2010 to 2013. 

The first of these initiatives is an information session on Saturday 30th January 2010 at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel where details of the new programme will be discussed.  All riders / parents / trainers interested in taking part in the programme are invited to attend and it is hoped the day will be of value to, and encourage,  all those interested in taking part in the programme during the period 2010 – 2013.   Time of event - 2.00pm – 5.00pm to include refreshments £ 5.00 per person for those who have not applied to take part in training.

The second of the series of events is a set of training clinics which have been arranged during the Month of February 2010. These will be held at Portmore Equestrian Centre, Aghalee, as follows:
Wednesdays,  3rd and 17th  February - Juniors and Young Riders, and, Children on Horses;  Thursday 11th and Wednesday 24th  February,  Ponies.

The initial criteria for participation is as follows:-
1. Any Junior/ Young Rider jumping 1.30 and above and hoping to go forward for Europeans 2010.(new combinations may apply)
2. Any 148 Pony /Rider combination jumping 1.30 and hoping to go forward for Europeans 2010 (new combinations aiming for 1.30’s in 2010)
3. Any 138 Pony/Rider combination jumping 1.20 (new combinations aiming for 1.20’s 2010)
4. Any 128 Pony/Rider combination jumping 1.10 (new combinations aiming for 1.10’s 2010)
5. Children on Horses – jumping 1.20 and above and hoping to go forward for Europeans 2010 (new combinations can apply)

Ian Fearon will be the coach for these clinics, at the end of which the selection will be made of  those riders currently showing potential for European / and Team selection, to go forward onto the  High Performance Training and Management programme.  The cost of the initial  programme is £150.00 per person.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE TRAINING DATES IS WEDNESDAY 14TH JANUARY 2010.
Contact: Katy Saunders – 07733 913357 / katysji@googlemail.com
SJI Ulster Region, Talent Identification Officer.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR AN APPLICATION FORM

ULSTER LEAGUE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED AS FLOODY TAKES LEAGUE TITLE

Harry Marshall landed the spoils on the final day of the Ulster Region Grand Prix league which was held at Necarne Castle last Saturday where John Floody claimed the League title.

Having won the previous three legs of the league and topping the leader board, Floody went in as hot favourite in what was billed to be a very tightly fought contest.  All of the top five in the league could effectively win the overall League title however, Ashbourne based Floody took enough points to stay on the top spot.

Larkhill Cruiser provided the Meath rider with all 32 points going into the final however, when the aptly named, Ashbourne slotted into sixth place at the finish, Floody took enough points to win the €1,000 top prize as leading rider. 

Last to go of the 17 combinations in the jump off, Larkhill Cruiser looked to be on course to record a memorable four timer and close out the league with a bang.  However a fence down late in the track left them just outside the places.  However this made no difference to the final result and a delighted Floody commented: ‘’I’m delighted to have won the league, Larkhill Cruiser was extremely consistent throughout.  I think the league is going to be very successful as the numbers proved each week of the league.  It is great to help riders and horses to get to Grand Prix level as it is very competitive.’’

Fifty six combinations faced Course Designer, William Crean in the final leg of the Ulster Grand Prix and from that 17 made it through to the Jump Off.

Edward Little riding David Prentice’s Bagatelle, set what seemed a tough standard when producing a fine double clear in 37.99 to go into provisional first place.  This proved to be tough to beat however, Conor Drain made light of the situation when taking Saxton Stone around in 33.60 but a pole on the ground kept them down the line in seventh place.  Beating the time was one thing, but staying clear was another.

It was not until Peter Smyth entered the arena with former Speed Champion Hygie Du Golfe, that Little’s time was beaten.  The very speedy French bred mare cut every corner possible to shave two seconds off the standard time to move into the lead breaking the beam in 33.63.

Again the time set, took a lot of beating and it took another of our well know speed merchants, Harry Marshall to knock Smyth off the lead.  On the very consistent Thanx, Marshall set out with plenty of intent, knowing exactly what had to be done to secure the lead.  Having seen Smyth’s route, the Antrim man found half a second to spare over the shortened track and slotted into the lead in a time of 35.36.  This was where Marshall remained without any further worry and following the class he said; ‘’I was delighted with my horse.  It is a fabulous place for a show, and I was very impressed with how it was run.  It is obvious from the amount of starters they had each week that the league was a success.’’

Taking fourth was recent Cavan Grand Prix third, Aisling Doherty.  The Young Rider who has just begun competing at the top level, brought Jessie Duke to another memorable high placing.  Ronan McLaughlin followed her with Illinoise De Cabdula with League winner John Floody and Ashbourne taking sixth.

So the inaugural Ulster Region Grand Prix League comes to a close and the League which was well supported throughout appears to have set a good benchmark for next year’s league.  A worthy League winner in John Floody was named and he collected a cheque for €1,000 for his efforts throughout.  Mark Reid took €300 for taking second with Delyth Collins in third place and collected €200.  Ulster region committee member Janet Currie was delighted with the success of the league; ‘’We have received very good feedback and we are hoping to get sponsorship and up the goal for next year.  The numbers for the Final were very pleasing and all throughout the league they were very well supported.  We will be asking shows soon for applications for next year’s league.’’