CONNOLLY’S Red Mills has announced the launch of the sixth edition of the Connolly’s Red Mills Champion of Champions, in partnership with Showing Ireland.

The series has grown year-on-year, solidifying its status as a highlight in the Irish Showing calendar. The finale is set to take place in the main grass arena at Barnadown Equestrian Centre on Sunday, July 14th. The first of the eight qualifiers has taken place at Balmoral Show this week.

To mark the launch, representatives from Connolly’s Red Mills and Showing Ireland had the pleasure of visiting the home of accomplished equestrians, Nicola Perrin and Robert Jeffers to kickstart this year’s Red Mills Champion of Champions.

Nicola, a standout figure in the series, has achieved significant success throughout her participation. In 2019, she secured the coveted Red Mills Hunter Champion of Champions title, with John Stafford’s beloved Major Malone.

Nicola’s triumphs extend to the Red Mills Riding Horse Champion of Champions category, with victories in 2021 aboard Claire McDonnell’s, For Love, and in 2023 with her own home-bred, Ballarin Rosebud. Notably, Ballarin Rosebud participated in last year’s final while in foal and has since welcomed a beautiful foal by Radolin, highlighting Nicola’s dedication to breeding and producing young horses.

This year’s Connolly’s Red Mills Champion of Champions will once again showcase three finals: Hunter, Riding Horse and Amateur.

The series will feature eight qualifiers held at shows across the country, providing ample opportunities for riders to showcase their talent and qualify for the major finals and compete for a prize-pot worth over €5,000.