Geoff Billington

DUE to a clash of dates with the popular Show Jumpers Club Annual Awards Ball, Emerald International has moved to reschedule the Geoff Billington Masterclass to Friday, December 12th from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster, priced at €20 per adult and €15 per child, while family tickets cost €50. Billington will also host a series of training clinics for riders of all levels on Friday and Saturday, December 12th-13th with groups of four riders per clinic costing €100 per person. To book a clinic place, contact Emerald Equestrian on 045-863520.

Beijing exports

REPORTING on their visit to Beijing last month, Trevor Breen and Ger O’Neill are delighted with the progress of Irish show jumpers Castlefield Maximus and You Two Kelly. The two riders not only competed while in Beijing but also held a number of clinics. Ger O’Neill reports that the new owners are very pleased with their Irish purchases.

Castlefield Maximus and You Two Kelly were part of the first ever consignment of sport horses shipped directly to China under a new shipping protocol agreed between Ireland and China earlier this year. The shipment was organised by Michael and Josephine O’Hagan who visit China on a monthly basis.

Timmy Sullivan

IRISH Draught stalwart Timmy Sullivan sadly passed way earlier this week. President of the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association (IDHBA), he has been long-associated with Irish Draught breeding and had been due to receive an IDHBA award for his contribution to the breed as an enthusiast, breeder, judge and inspector. Breeder of Crannagh Hero and Merrymate, Timmy also bought Holycross as a foal from his breeder William Bourke.

Reposing at the Chapel of Rest, Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, his remains will be removed this evening (Saturday) at 6.30pm to the Church of The Most Holy Rosary in Abbeyleix, arriving 7pm. Burial will take place after 11am requiem mass tomorrow (Sunday) in the adjoining cemetery. A full appreciation will follow later.