BETWEEN the high standard of riding, production and turn-out, the excellent condition of Barnadown’s Main Grass Arena and, of course, the weather, Sunday’s eighth Connolly’s Red Mills/Showing Ireland Champion of Champions finals day could be termed the best yet.

There were two highly-respected English judges in Jayne Ross (conformation) and Olivia Minihane (ride) and efficient ring stewards in Willie Corrigan and Michael Lyons. They were backed up by the tireless Sam Cushe who, on duty from early in the day, had a long day in the sun as had ring commentator Paul Nolan.

The three classes were once again live-streamed with Jane Bradbury and Jane Davis providing an excellent commentary. Bradbury shared a lot of ringcraft tips while Davis, never missing a beat in her role of Connolly’s Red Mills’ Head of Marketing, had plenty of up to date information on where and when the horses qualified for the finals. If you missed the coverage you can watch on Connolly’s Red Mills Youtube channel.

This year the organisers had a hospitality marquee, sponsored by Ballinlough Refrigeration, overlooking the arena where they entertained owners, riders, producers and breeders throughout the day.

“We are immensely proud of how the Red Mills Showing Ireland Champion of Champions has evolved over the last eight years,” said Davis who, in her role as Connolly’s Head of Marketing was in Millstreet this week and, in her role as a rider, will be competing in the thoroughbred classes at this weekend’s Tattersalls Ireland July Show.

“The addition of the live stream last year has added a whole new dimension and showcased the best of Irish showing to a wider audience. The original objective of the Champion of Champions was to shine a light on showing and create a platform for Irish breeders, owners, riders and producers to show their animals; the standard this year was incredible across the three finals.

“We’re very grateful to the support of everyone who took part, to the team at Barnadown for hosting and the use of their fabulous Grass Arena, to the judges, the Showing Ireland committee and all who helped bring the event together. We have to give a special mention to each of the shows who hosted qualifiers and Wicklow Show for hosting the finals. Without these shows and their hard-working organisers and committees we’d be lost.”

Angus McDonnell, whose wife Claire took charge of the hospitality marquee, commented: “As Chairman of Showing Ireland, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Champion of Champions sponsor Connolly’s Red Mills without which this spectacular event would not be possible.

“Their continued support has brought this showcase for Irish show horses to a whole new level while our live stream commentators, Jane Davis and Jane Bradbury, through their vast knowledge and experience, have provided viewers on a global scale the opportunity to be part of the day.

“I would also like to thank our amazing countrywide shows who host the 10 qualifiers along with the Wicklow Hunt Show and Barnadown Equestrian who provide us with our venue for the finals. The exceptional quality of the show horses in the ring was a credit to all who participated and marked the eighth year of this legendary series.

“Lastly, I would like to thank our hard-working committee who worked tirelessly with Connolly’s Red Mills to provide a truly memorable Champion of Champions final.”

High Voltage

The first class to be judged in Barnadown’s Main Grass Arena on Sunday afternoon was the Connolly’s Red Mills Ridden Horse Final where Jayne Ross and Olivia Minihane gave an indication of their judging method for the day by asking for riders to be called in en masse and not in any particular order.

Their winner, for the second year running, was the Clonmel qualifier, Janet McKenna’s Watchouse High Voltage (Stormy Mountain – Dynamic Dancer, by Crosstown Dancer), who wasn’t ridden by his producer, the owner’s son Shane, but by a delighted Becky Walter. The five-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding, who was bred in Co Wexford by Lisa Comiskey, also won the class’s best turned-out horse award with the best turned-out groom award going to Marie Kent.

One of the many winners this season for the Co Waterford-based McKenna Show Team, Watchouse High Voltage will contest the large riding horse class at the upcoming Gallagher Dublin Horse Show after which he will be for sale. “I’m so proud of Billy,” commented Shane McKenna. “His attitude to work is second to none and he is the definition of a showman. He loves the ring and has been a pleasure to produce.”

McKenna himself finished fifth, on Jennifer Kennedy’s lightweight cob Moneycross, one place ahead of Chris Carter whose company, Centre Piece Rosettes, provided all the rosettes (there was one for every participant) and sashes for the finals.