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Press Releases
30.04.06
Sunshine & Success at Ballygraffan International Horse Trials
(28th & 29th April 06, Comber. Co. Down)
With near perfect weather, Ballygraffan, in it’s second year as an International event, provided a fantastic couple of days of sporting entertainment over the bank holiday weekend. Building on the success of its current title as “ Best Event in Ireland 2005” (Eventing Ireland Media Awards), the event was bigger and better than ever.
With more entries than previous years, the event started a day early to accommodate an extra full day of dressage. Ballygraffan welcomed international riders including; Caroline Powell and Greg Smith from New Zealand along with numerous English riders and top Irish riders such as Steven Smith, Lieutenant Geoff Curran, Mike Kyle, Joseph Murphy and Sasha Harrison.
The course was groomed to perfection by course builders the Willis Brothers, of Badminton and Olympic fame, along with the invaluable help of land manager, Hugh Simpson and under the watchful eye of renowned course designer Hugh Lochore; creating a challenging and exciting course for both riders and spectators alike. On Friday afternoon, Lars Christensson, Eventing Ireland’s Performance Manager, conducted a cross-country course walk enjoyed by both riders and spectators.
Hugh Lochore, Course Designer said “It was very satisfying to see
the problems were evenly spread across the course, which made it more
enjoyable for the riders and spectators, I am very happy with what was
created, it was a superb event.”
There were a total of 7 new fences, including Ballantine’s Leap,
named after Pamela Ballantine, TV presenter, when she christened the fence
by jumping into it whilst filming for UTV. The final fence to be completed
was Jim’s Herd, a much talked about show piece fence, incorporating
three life size cows reinforced for jumping that were imported from England;
truly a unique design.
The newly developed sponsorship package welcomed sponsors to the perfectly positioned Hospitality Marquee, where they enjoyed scrumptious food and a fine view of the proceedings. Whist a record number of spectators had the additional treat of a Market Village area, providing them with the delights of fresh coffee, crepes, juice and hot soups as well as gift shopping and more.
“ We’ve had a fantastic time, the hospitality has been just
right and the competition great fun to watch, we’ll be back next
year”
David Watters, McClure Watters, Sponsor
The champagne and truffles were well received at the Winners reception, sponsored by Joyce Estate Agents. Despite a highly qualified entry from England the Irish riders produced fantastic performances to scoop all the major prizes. The Stevenson Munn CIC** was won by Elizabeth Power riding Kilpatrick River owned by Dermot O’Rourke, this was a remarkable achievement as Elizabeth won the CIC* last year on the same horse. This year the CIC* was won by Sarah Ennis riding Montauk owned by Orla Cassidy and the Sportsman was won by Kieran Connors riding Mountain Grove owned by Kieran himself.
The “Highest Placed Dressage” prize, sponsored by McClure Watters was won by Steven Smith in the CIC** on Quality VH owned by Sarah Allwood and won by Sarah Ennis on Montauk in the CIC*. The “Nearest Optimum Time” prize sponsored by DFC Ltd was won by Elizabeth Power in the CIC** on Kilpatrick River and Mark Kyle on Legananny Optimist owned by Patrick Murphy in the CIC*.
The Best Junior went to a delighted Darragh Dennigan on Printers First Edition owned by Michele Dennigan. Owner’s prizes went to Dermot O’Rourke and Orla Cassidy and the Presidents prize went to Elizabeth Power, who overall had a very good event.
“We are absolutely delighted with this years event, it was great
to have more riders and spectators than ever before, and the course was
looking spectacular. The dressage arenas, had been improved since last
year, and were perfect going from the first to the last horse. The Show
Jumping arenas, designed and constructed by Raymond Jess, were up to height
and testing and beautifully presented; and the cross-country, superb.”
June Burgess, Landowner & Host
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