Jul, 2022
After seven hotly contested qualifiers around the country at which a max of 7 horses could qualify for the Hunter, Ridden Horse or Amateur finals at each, it was time for the Showing Ireland Connolly’s RED MILLS Champion of Champions finals. Set in the grounds of the magnificent Tattersalls Country House, top class combinations came forward for what was anticipated to be very competitive finals for judges Miss Justine Armstrong-Small (ride) and Mr. Paul Cook (conformation).
On the go round each horse was judged at the walk, trot, canter and gallop. All horses were then pulled in in random order. There were fantastic displays from all of the finalists with some spectacular gallops with several catching the eye.
The standard of horse was top class, with each combination turned out to perfection in their traditional hunting attire. Due to the high quality field’s there was much deliberation between the judges to reach their decision.
Ridden Hunter Final
In a hotly contested final where fourteen combinations came forward from 7 qualifying shows across the country it was Gleann Rua Da Vinci, a five year old bay gelding by Camillo VDL and William McMahon who impressed ride judge Miss Justine Armstrong-Small and confirmation judge Mr. Paul Cook the most to be crowned RED MILLS Hunter Champion of Champions for owners Grace and William McMahon.
4 Year Old Champion
Three four-year-old’s were represented in the final. It was Limerick Highlander produced and ridden by Olivia Downes who came out on top for owner Ruairi Brennan. The grey by Farmhill Highlander stood out from the crowd to take take top honours of highest placed four year old.
Ridden Horse Final
Earlier in the day Brian Murphy and the Pat Loughlin owned Peaky Blinder were crowned RED MILLS Ridden Horse Champion of Champions. The 10 year old son of Rockrimmon Silver Diamond had a successful showing campaign this season, claiming his qualifying spot at Gorey Agricultural Show as well as qualifying for Horse of the Year Show at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Amateur Final
In the hotly contested RED MILLS Amateur Champion of Champions Final Prince of Diamonds owned and ridden by Suzanne O’Brien pulled out all the stops to ensure they were crowned RED MILLS Amateur Champion of Champions. The 8 year old gelding by Carrick Diamond Lad stood top of a very impressive line-up. The amateur qualification spots were in high demand all summer with several qualifying shows having a high number of entrants.
Congratulations to all finalists from all the team at Connolly’s RED MILLS.
