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Press Releases
April 2008
FOX PITT STEALS THE DAY AT BALLYGRAFFAN
William Fox Pitt stole the show at Ballygraffan International Horse Trials sponsored by Ards Borough Council in Comber, Co Down this year. Winning the Gilbert Ash CIC* one star class riding Oslo, taking 3rd place on Corofin Flyer as well as winning the ultimate Tughans CIC** two star class riding Cool Mountain.
Even though at the end of the first day Fox Pitt had a rail down in Show jumping and had gathered some penalty points, the weekend only improved from there onwards. His relaxed, confident style meant the challenging cross-country course passed trouble free, resulting in optimum success taking the two top class prizes.
“This is a quality event, the ground is fantastic
and it’s a beautiful location… it’s a great course to
run as I approach Badminton next week, I’ve really enjoyed it.”
William Fox Pitt, Rider/ Eventer
The International contingency dominated the lead positions this year with Duarte Seabra from Portugal riding Urco taking second position in the Tughans CIC** two star. Matthew Wright, known to be one of the UK’s most promising young riders who came first in the two star class last year, was placed second in the one star competition this year riding Noisette des Pres and took sixth place on Hugginstown in the Tughans CIC** class.
Highest placed Irish rider in the two star class was Co. Waterford rider Capt Geoff Curran on The Jump Jet who came in a close third and Irelands Sam Watson will have been pleased with six year old Marlboro Man who was placed fourth in the Gilbert Ash CIC* class.
With the biggest number of entries yet at Ballygraffan and the highest level of international entries spread across six countries including France, Switzerland, Portugal, USA, UK and of course Ireland the event continues to grow in world status.
The young riders were delighted with the competition and such a great quality course. The CNCP** Pony class was won by Irish rider Melanie Young riding Newtown Westie and the CICJ* juniors competition was won by Irelands Brian Morrison riding Finnisk Gem. Two other young Irish hopefuls of note with their focus on Olympics 2012 include Poppy de Courcy Wheeler riding Bantry Flipper who came third and Stephanie Abbott riding Trinity Flight placed 4th in the Juniors competition this year.
Tughans CIC** two star class highest placed young rider was Julie O’Neil on Sheepcote Welcome and highest placed Junior was Ruth Robinson riding Tamino 202, they did well being placed 17th & 16th respectively in a highly competitive class. The Playstation Optimum Time Prize was awarded to Colin Halliday riding Express Yourself.
In addition to the perpetual silver salvers in the Gilbert Ash CIC* and Tughans CIC** classes, thanks to an injection of funding from Ards Borough Council the prize fund has increased to a substantial £7,000, and there were many additional prizes including Botanica hampers 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 & Lady Carew, Mrs Vanda Robinson, Mr David Lee, Mrs Sue Stewart and Mr Les Smith.
The extended Gormleys Fine Art Water Complex provided much entertainment for spectators that gathered around it in droves and the views were spectacular across Strangford Lough from the brand new “Open Books” fence on the recently acquired 17 acres at the top of the course. The Market Village provided much needed refreshment for spectators as well as shopping and Kids activities run by the Castle Espie Wetland Centre Crew, where they created a spectacular willow sculpture of a horse under glorious sunshine at the weekend.
The Corporate Hospitality was highly complimented as Stonebridge Catering provided quality cuisine and service over the weekend, the increased Corporate Sponsorship provided a busy Saturday and a full house for lunch on Sunday in the Hospitality Marquee. The uniquely decorated space displayed paintings courtesy of Gormleys Fine Art Gallery.
Both UTV and GMTV (NI) covered the weekend and a full programme of the
CIC** two star competition will be screened on SKY sport and other channels
worldwide.
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