THE first round of this year’s Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing series took place last Saturday at The Meadows Equestrian Centre where, despite a very wet and windy morning, there was an increase in numbers in all three disciplines compared to the same fixture 12 months previously.

“We were delighted with the turn-out,” said The Meadows’ Aaron McCusker who designed and built the tracks for the two jumping phases. “Since last year, we have constructed a new water complex which we can change around with the use of logs in and out and even in the water itself. We have also put in a bit of a bank and hope to construct a new one for next year as part of our continued development here at The Meadows.”

There were plenty of double clear rounds at all levels in the show jumping arena, where the action commenced at 9am and continued until after 4pm, while, in advance of the eventing season proper, many riders were delighted to avail of a schooling opportunity over a variety of cross-country fences in Arena 3 where volunteers also put in a long day.

David Lee travelled up from Dublin to judge some of the dressage phase where his winner of the BE Novice Test 110 (2012) was Belfast’s Izzy Riley on DHI No Fear (74.8%). Owned by the rider’s mother Sarah, the seven-year-old Nonstop gelding won an EI110 at Knockany on the final day of the 2019 Northern Region season when he was ridden by Clare Abbott.

Denis Currie finished second (72.5%) on his own Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan gelding Arodstown Aramis on whom he won the seven-runner Intermediate (BE Intermediate Test 115 (2011)) on a score of 73.7 with Helen Faulkner claiming the runner-up spot on board Derryvane Danny (72.1).

Faulkner was making a welcome return to competition following injury as was Sharon McKeever, winner of Section A of the Intro class (BE90 Test 91 (2009)) which was judged by Vanda Stewart. Castle Leslie Riding Club member McKeever was the only one in her section to score over 70% which she did on her 19-year-old Rachelle Comet gelding Cosmic Rolo who, too, had been out of action for some time.

Section B, which was also judged by Stewart, was won by Newry’s Grace Kehoe and her father John’s eight-year-old Oberon van Fyandra mare Killeshin Fifty Shades Of Grey (73%).

This combination won two of the five E90 competitions they contested last year, rounding off their season with a fifth-place finish at the National Championships.

Lucinda Webb-Graham judged the 32-runner Pre-Novice class (BE100 Test 101 (2009)) where her winner, on a score of 74.5%, was Enniskillen’s Nichola Wray and the 10-year-old grey mare Lady Grey VI on whom she competes at EI100 Amateur level. Lucca Stubington finished second with Xenophons Honour (72.5).

AGM date

THE Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing series, which is open to all, continues at The Meadows every Saturday until March 7th with points being awarded for performance and attendance, while a special prize will be awarded to the highest-placed Riding Club/Pony Club member.

The annual general meeting of the Northern Region of Eventing Ireland takes place next Wednesday, January 22nd, in the La Mon Hotel & Country Club where the guest speaker on the night will be Ireland’s World Equestrian Games team and individual silver medallist, Padraig McCarthy.