Kerry Turkington
On behalf of the Ulster Region of Show Jumping Ireland and its members, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to children Emily and James and mother Vera, as well as the wider family circle and friends of Kerry Turkington who died in tragic circumstances this week.
John Curran
Ulster Region Chairman

The funeral service will take place at Lambeg Parish Church, 58 Belfast Road, Lambeg, Lisburn at 12 noon on Friday 19th February 2010. This will be followed by a family burial in the church grounds. The family have also extended an open invitation to join them afterwards at The Malone Golf Club, 240 Upper Malone Road, Dunmurry, Belfast from 2.00pm onwards.
Family flowers only, donations to Marie Curie Cancer Research.

Directions to Lambeg Parish Church

From Dublin
Follow M1 past Sprucefield/Lisburn and take exit 6 sign posted Lisburn City Centre/Saintfield.
At traffic lights and roundabout, take first left signposted A49 Lisburn.
Follow signs for Belfast A1 for approx. 4 miles and turn right signposted Ballyskeagh Greyhound Stadium (under railway bridge). Follow road for approx. 1 mile, Lambeg Parish Church is located on right hand side.

From Belfast
Follow M1 and take exit A1 sign posted Finaghy & Dunmurry. Follow signs A1 Lisburn Centre, passing three roundabouts. Pass Lambeg train station on left hand side, and turn left, sign posted Ballyskeagh Greyhound Stadium (under railway bridge). Follow road for approx. 1 mile, Lambeg Parish Church is located on right hand side.

Please note that only limited parking is available on the church grounds. The Belfast Road is a narrow road and not easy to park on, so please take this into consideration when planning your journey.

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.’’
 

FLOODY MAKES IT THREE IN A ROW TO TAKE LEAD

John Floody and Larkhill Cruiser took their third win in succession in the Ulster Grand Prix league at Cavan on Sunday at the end of their three day Summer Horse Show.

Having taken a double of wins also in Cavan in July, Floody jumped up the leader board to move in contention with the leaders.  Their most recent win moving them to the top of the table with just today’s leg in Necarne Castle remaining.

The Meath native produced a stunning round in a fascinating competitions which saw 90 combinations take part.  Tom Holden’s track was built to suit the numbers, however the strength of the competitions that have been brought about in Ulster was very prominent when seeing 23 of the starters making it through to the jump off.

In an ultra competitive affair, the eventual winner Floody got three horses through to the deciding round from which he slotted into third place with Jim Monks’ Ashbourne.  Their time of 37.12 and clear was good enough to put them into provisional pole position and looked to be a tough standard to set.

It was not until Conor Swail and the very exciting Uretto that Floody’s time was beaten.  Owned jointly by Barry O’Connor and the rider, Uretto is now fast becoming Swail’s main mount following the sale of Gold Digger.  The ultra consistent son of Oklund, showed that he possesses a lot of speed when shaving almost two seconds off the leaders time.

However, this was to play into Floody’s advantage as he entered the arena just after Swail.  Knowing the task at hand, Floody set about ensuring a hat trick with Michael Smith’s Cruising gelding and that is exactly what they did.  Shaving a further half second off Swail’s time, Floody catapulted himself back to the top of affairs and that was where he stayed.  The time, 35.16, proved unbeatable and they collected the bulk of the €3,000 on offer.

Looking forward to the final leg in Necarne Castle, John Floody commented; ‘’Ill have to go there now to try a take the league it was a great win on Sunday though.  I had three horses in jump off.  Having seen Conor (Swail) go I was able to in turn knock a bit off his time. This is the horse’s third win in a row on this League I will be aiming to do the Autumn Grand Prix League with Larkhill Cruiser and I have some others ready for it also.’’

Local rider Delyth Collins slipped into fourth place with Monaghan based Ronnie Hollinger’s Creevagh Miss Jones.  New to the Grand Prix Circuit, the daughter of Dow Jones Courcel is one who has benefited greatly from the introduction of this 1.35m league.  They took the green rosette just ahead of the home based rider Wagner Ayres Correa riding Stuart Clarke’s Shalom Phoenix with Joe Owens and Cobra taking sixth place.

So with the final leg taking place today in Necarne there is a lot at stake with virtually all of the top five in with a chance of taking the league win.  John Floody leads by just two points from Mark Reid with Delyth Collins a further two points back in fourth.  Mervyn Clarke is placed next ahead of Philip Gaw and although they are 10 points and 14 points adrift respectively the points and a half on offer give them a good chance of getting close to those at the top.

FLOODY ON THE DOUBLE WITH LARKHILL CRUISER IN CAVAN

John Floody recorded a memorable double of wins in the Ulster Grand Prix League in Cavan Equestrian Centre last weekend for the seventh and eighth legs of the league.

As we enter the final legs of the league, the chase for points will is getting tough with just two legs now remaining. 

The league, which has been well represented, should prove to be an even bigger success next year in its second year of competition.  A replica of the Munster and Connaught leagues which has produced several Grand Prix riders and horses, the league is seen to be a stepping stone for those in the Northern region to compete at Grand Prix level.

John Floody was making only his second appearance in the Ulster league and came away with wins in both legs at the Clarke family owned centre.  Riding the prolific winner Larkhill Cruiser the pair added another high profile win in both parts of the double header. 

Saturday proved a slightly easier victory for the pair when coming out on top of a 13 horse jump off.  The head of six double clear rounds, Floody cruised to victory by almost three seconds recording a time of 39.49 to take the red ribbon.

From Castleblaney in Monaghan, Mary McShane add to her points on the board when slotting into second on her own Da Rude.  A regular competitor around the Northern region, McShane competed in her first Grand Prix this season in the HSI Guidam Spring Tour and that experience has stood to her with a double clear in 42.55.

Jack Doyle made the trip from his Kildare base with Urelle in their attempt to take the €1,500 prize on offer.  Although keeping relatively steady in a time of 47.23 Doyle slipped in for third place just ahead of Alexander Butler and Keeford Topcat.  Gabriel Tunney and Suzanne Posnett took the final places by taking fifth and sixth.

Sunday proved to be slightly more hard fought for Floody.  Again a large number qualified for the Jump off with 15 going foward, however Mervyn Clarke arrived on the scene and put up a good fight for the top spot.

Floody, again riding Larkhill Cruiser, produced a double clear however his time of 42.07 was well contested.  Mike Smith’s Cruising gelding was a winner at the World Breeder’s Championships last year and also took a leg of the HSI Guidam Spring Tour earlier in the year. 

His closest pursuer came from the home rider Mevyn Clarke who threw all that he had to take another home win in the Ulster Grand Prix League.  Clarke was the highest placed on his own Money Train and slotted into second with a double clear in 42.31.

A winner already on the League with Sympatico S, Clarke brought his mother’s mare back for another crack at a win on the league.  Although slightly slower again, Clarke did enough to take third with a time of 43.42.

League leader Mark Reid put some daylight between him and the rest when taking fourth place with Limavady Grand Prix winner Orchidee Milady.  The fourth of seven double clear rounds, Reid recorded a time of 44.75 to take fourth behind Floody.  Young Rider Robert Frazer brought Rolando in for another double clear in 44.78 to take fifth just ahead of Jack Doyle who took some prize money in sixth.

An understandably delighted Floody commented earlier this week; ‘’It was nice to win one never mind two.  I was very pleased with the horse, he was very consistent going into last weekend and this shows what a good horse he is.  This should prove to be a good prep for Dublin (8 year olds and over class).  He will go to the South County before that.’’

These two wins move Floody into third place on the league with two legs remaining.  Mark Reid remains clear on 30 points with Delyth Collins at the head of those chasing on 23.  Mervyn Clarke now lies in fourth on 21 points.  The next leg of the league will be in Cavan on August 30th.

REID MOVES IN FRONT OF LEAGUE FOLLOWING WIN IN LIMAVADY

Londonderry and Limavady hosted the most recent leg of the popular Ulster Region 1.35m Grand Prix league last Saturday under a beaming sun.

Although the forecast for the day was to be bad, the weather succumbed and perfect conditions allowed for the jumping to take place with 25 starters going forward facing Frederick Gutherie’s track.

With eight combinations going forward to battle for the €1,500 prize fund, the jump off was quite competitive, however there was a runaway winner in Mark Reid riding Orchidee Milady.  The Tyrone rider finished almost two seconds clear on the John McGowan owned Beguin Du Moens mare.  The pair recorded one of just three double clears in a time of 47.91.

New league leader, Mark Reid, following this win and several places has his sights set on the final rounds of the league; ‘’It was a good show and the ground was very good.  She’s a grand horse and is very consistent.  We went to Portugal earlier and she was rarely out of the top four.  I will definitely be aiming at the League title.’’

Aisling Doherty put in an excellent display to take second with Zara Lynas’s Jessie Duke.  The pair who finished fifth in the opening leg of this league at Banbridge recorded a double clear to take second place in a time of 49.61.  To add to their season the pair also qualified in the first of the 1.20m RDS Young Rider qualifier in Boswell to send them into Ireland’s Premier Show.

The final of the double clear rounds went to Lisa Rosbotham riding her own Valent.  Brought through the ranks by Lisa herself, the pair recently finished in the Barnadown RDS Qualifier for the seven year olds and they take third on this occasion just behind Doherty in 50.98.

Creevagh Miss Jones and Delyth Collins provided the fastest of the four faults in the second round to catapult them into second place on the leader board.  The winners of the 1.20m HSI Winter Tour at the end of last year, Collins has brought this daughter of Dow Jones Courcel through the ranks and competed with her in the four year old class in Dublin.

Following Collins was Nathan Primrose with Chakmaro Z just ahead of Aisling Doherty who also took sixth with Ursela.

The winning owner, John McGowan, who was also part of the Syndicate who sponsored the class, was delighted with her first Grand Prix win; ‘’The horse has done very well and is very consistent.  It is just getting the finer results are the problem.  This is the first time I have been involved with sponsorship and I was more than happy to support a local show.’’

The next legs of the Ulster Region Grand Prix League will take place in Cavan on the 18th and 19th of July.

The second and third legs of the Ulster Region 1.30m Grand Prix League took place this weekend at the Saintfield Show on Saturday and Kernan’s on Sunday.

Although clear rounds were hard fought in both legs of the league, they were very competitive affairs that proved to have some very good jumping.  The weather conditions provided some spectacular jumping ground and gave the crowds at both shows a lot to cheer about.

In Saturday’s leg in Saintfield, Kirsty Chambers held all the answers in the Mivan Limited Ardnavallye Grand Prix.  With 24 starters, Raymond Jess’s course quickly took several combinations out of the reckoning.  With no one fence causing significant trouble, the track proved a very daunting task and Chambers emerged as the only clear round in the first round to win the €1,500 contest.

Winner of the inaugural Ulster Grand Prix, Philip Gaw, lodged himself firmly at the head of the leader board as the fastest of the four faults in the opening Grand Prix.  Gaw made sure of taking this slot, going last in the class and recording a time of 71.02, eight seconds clear of Mark Reid in third place.

Following a third place at the Banbridge show, Reid continued this result with Orchidee Milady in Saturday’s class.  Crossing the line in 79.29, Reid was clear of his closest rival, Emma Jackson and Rockrimmon Senator who recorded a time of 85.62 to take fourth.

On Sunday in Kernan’s clears proved just as elusive although 10 made it through to the jump off from 32 starters, we saw just one combination record a double clear.

Tom Doherty riding his own Slievenamora was the combination and they completed the only double clear of the 10 jump off pairings.  Although Doherty’s time of 40.37 was not the fastest of the day by any means it was enough to secure the win.  Having gone second in the jump off, the Carrickfergus native had an anxious wait as the following 7 competitors made their way through Nigel Jess’s track.

Speed specialist Harry Marshall took second with his own Kanada.  Marshall proved fastest of the four faults breaking the beam in 37.21, recording the fastest time of the day, however a fence on the floor cost him dearly.

County Down rider Suzanne Posnett took the yellow ribbon when steering Karmijin to third place with one fence on the floor in 38.43.  Ronnis Hollinger’s Creevagh Duca Diamond took fourth with regular rider Delyth Collins in the saddle.  Another with just one fence down, the combination stopped the clock in 39.68.

The next Ulster Grand Prix takes place next weekend with a double header in Cavan Equestrian where they host a leg on both Saturday and Sunday.