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Press Releases
29th APRIL 2007
A Glorious Weekend at Ballygraffan International Horse Trials
28th – 29th April 2007, Comber, Co. Down
The Ballygraffan International Horse Trials stepped up a gear again this year, with more riders than ever, an international contingency of talented competitors from seven countries, a record number of spectators, perfect weather and superb hospitality; a fantastic weekend was had by all.
The location, in the beautiful setting of the drumlin country of Co. Down, lends itself perfectly to the galloping, bold course designed by internationally renowned Hugh Lochore. Constructed by course builders the Willis Brothers of Badminton and Olympic fame and groomed to perfection with the help of the local team, under the watchful eye of land manager Hugh Simpson, Ballygraffan has never looked so good.
This year there were a total of five completely new fences in the CIC** (2 star) including the ‘Water Snakes’ sponsored by Beechlawn House Hotel, and six new fences in the CIC* (1 star) including ‘Dutch Courage’ sponsored by Kennedy Business Systems, with several others having been repositioned or adjusted to produce a world-class course with different questions from previous years. The result was a challenging and entertaining competition.
The CIC* class was cleaned up by international riders this year, as the winner Australian rider Catherine Burrell riding Ballycoog Imp also took second place and the Dressage Prize riding Tubalt, and third place was taken by Germany’s, Sabine Florkemeier riding Cristall Noir. Leading junior rider went to Ireland’s Rachael Moorhead riding Pajero and owned by Helen Moorhead.
The Tughans CIC** class was won by the impressive British rider, Matthew Wright on Another Cavalier owned by Nick Carney, with second place going to Ireland’s own Sally Carscadden riding Millridge Kalmer, owned by Gerry Leahy and third to Declan Cullen riding Glenhill Gold, owned by Stephen Orr. Leading young rider in the Tughans CIC** went to Irish rider Clare Abbott on Apapa owned by Dervila Quinn and fellow countryman Michael Ryan riding Master Mexico owned by Donal Healy took the Dressage Prize.
The CNCP**, Pony Class provided an engaging display, and was won by Leanne Butler on Brookhaven Boy owned by Anne Marie Butler, followed in second place by Rachael Power riding The Millers Daughter, owned by Elizabeth A Power and in third place Lauren Devine on Jingle O So Good owned by Pascaline Devine. Councillor Jim McBriar, representing main sponsor Ards Borough Council, awarded the Pony class prizes.
In addition to the perpetual silver salvers in CIC* and Tughans CIC** classes, there is a prize fund of £5,000, and many additional prizes that were presented at the Joyce Estate Agents Prize Giving Reception while spectators enjoyed champagne and truffles. Ballygraffan is a relaxed event but maintains tight organisation and a quality Ground Jury of The Lord Patrick Carew, Vanda Stewart, David Lee and Jane Tolly, who will judge at Badminton next month.
The Corporate Hospitality this year surpassed all expectations as Bridgestone Catering provided quality cuisine and service, with a full house for lunch on Sunday in the Hospitality marquee uniquely decorated with paintings by Equestrian Artist Tania Smith. Corporate sponsor David Watters of FGS McClure Watters said,
“Our customers and friends have had a wonderful two days at the Ballygraffan International Horse Trials, good food and company in a beautiful setting, we’ll definitely be back again next year.”
The Market Village was again a huge success, as the trade stands were
struggling to cater for the demands for fresh Juice, good coffee, hot
crepes, organic beef burgers and much more.
Both UTV and SKY Sport covered the event again this year and coverage
will reach as far as the American Horse Channel. Another great success
for Ballygraffan International Horse Trials this year.
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