Sorrell is Star of the Month

SORRELL Klatzko was voted Gain Star of the Month for May, after she became Ireland’s first senior dressage rider to win an international class this year. Having already claimed second place in the Grand Prix Freestyle at Hartpury CDI3* in March, Klatzko’s win came at Hickstead CDI3*, where she and Janice Shoffner’s Turbo scored 72.75% in the Grand Prix Freestyle. “The win was a special day for me,” said Klatzko afterwards. “I got a little bit emotional, because I have never had such a good feeling in the ring.”

Nicholson sadly missed

PATRICIA Nicholson (née Bennet) of Barfordstown Stud, Kells, Meath, died peacefully on June 17th at St Colmcille’s Nursing Home, Kells in her 100th year. A noted horsewoman and well-known breeder of top-class horses, Patricia bred Eagle Lion, who won Badminton Horse Trials with US rider Bruce Davidson. At the 2016 Dublin Horse Show, Patricia and Michael Slavin were driven around the main arena after receiving awards for their contribution to Irish equestrianism. Patricia owned Royal Lion, the horse on whom her son-in-law Eddie Macken won prolifically in the 70s. Predeceased by her grandson Charlie Nicholson, Patricia will be sadly missed by her daughter Susanne Macken, who is a respected coach and judge, her son Christopher, her grandchildren Stevie, Jamie, Heather and Emma, her great-grandchildren Fynn, Bodhi, Jack and Harry, her extended family and friends.

Patricia’s funeral service will take place today, Saturday, July 4th, at 12 noon in St Columba’s Church of Ireland, Kells, Co Meath. An appreciation for Patricia will run in an upcoming edition.

Michael Slavin and Patricia Nicholson on their lap of honour at the RDS last July 2016 \ Susan Finnerty

Eventing commentator remembered

THE death took place suddenly last Wednesday week of Hillsborough’s Christopher Murdoch, a one-time member of the Northern Region committee of what was then the Irish Horse Trials Society. Christopher, who was awarded an MBE last year for his voluntary service to St John Ambulance Northern Ireland of which he was chairman, was once a well-known commentator at local events and at the international horse trials at Necarne, Blarney and Punchestown. Predeceased by his wife Rosemary, Christopher is survived by his son John, a veterinary surgeon in the United States, and his daughter Alexandra McCully, who runs Fairmount Stables outside Hillsborough.

Sizeable prize fund at Ardrahan

ARDRAHAN Show, which boasts a significant prize fund across hunter and broodmare classes, will take place in Galway on Saturday, July 11th. While it will include all the usual young stock, show pony and working hunter classes, the show’s main features are the €3,500 All-Ireland ridden hunter championship, the €2,000 sport horse mare class and the €2,000 Irish Draught mare class. The latter three are all funded by the Breeding Grant Initiative under the DAFM’s National Breeding Services administered by Horse Sport Ireland. More information can be found at ardrahanshow.ie.

Death of John McNamara

JOHN McNamara, former huntsman with the Limerick Harriers, was laid to rest this week. A dairy farmer in Croom, he was closely linked to the racing world through his sons John Thomas and Aonghus, who were accomplished amateur riders. John Thomas tragically died in 2016, three years after he was left paralysed following a fall at the Cheltenham Festival. At this week’s funeral Mass, Fr Donal McNamara said of John: “He loved everything about horses - point-to-points, racing, hunting, and sharing those interests with Aongus and encouraging JT in his remarkable success on the racecourse.

“Those were memories of great pride and happiness for John. That same world ultimately became linked with profound sadness and tragedy for the family, but it never diminished the love and pride John had for his son.”

In recent times, John took great pleasure in taking his grandson Jack to the hunt. John is survived by his wife Kathleen (Kay), son Aongus, daughters-in-law Vanda and Caroline, and his five grandchildren.

Rest in peace

THE funeral took place yesterday of Erne Lakeland Riding Club member Aiden Smyth, after he died following a short illness. From Derrygonnelly, Co Fermanagh, Smyth was predeceased by his wife Breedh and is survived by their children Sinead, Cathal and Liam and his extended family.

“Aiden was a true horseman and will be sadly missed by all who knew him,” said a statement from Erne Lakeland Riding Club. “We convey our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family and friends.”