After eight hotly contested qualifiers around the country at which a max of 3 horses could qualify at each it was time for the Connolly’s RED MILLS Champion of Champions final. Set in the grounds of the magnificent Tattersalls Country House, 16 combinations came forward for what was anticipated to be a very competitive final for judges Ms Michelle Underwood (ride) and Miss Bridget Millington (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 with the seven 4yo’s grouped together and the nine older horses the same. There were fantastic displays from all of the finalists with some spectacular gallops with several catching the eye. The 4yo’s were ridden first while the older horses were stripped and presented for conformation.
The standard of horse was top class, with each combination turned out to perfection in their traditional hunting attire. Due to the high quality of the class it took just shy of 2 hours for the judges to reach their decision after much deliberation.
The crowd went silent around the ring as they waited patiently for the announcement. The Connolly’s RED MILLS Champion of Champions went to Bloomfield Waterfall and Jane Bradbury with Reserve Champion and Best 4yo going to MHS Charlie Fox and Aubrey Chapman.
Connolly’s RED MILLS Champion of Champions Finalists
| Rider | Horse | ||
| Athenry | Champion | Philippa Scott | SCT Master of the Hounds |
| Reserve Champion | Angus Mcdonnell | Statesman | |
| Best 4yr Old | Claire Gilna | Impersonator | |
| Ballivor | Champion | PJ Casey | Rathpierce Lord |
| Reserve Champion and Best 4yr old | PJ Casey | Somerville | |
| Gorey | Champion | Jane Bradbury | Bloomfield Kylemore |
| Reserve Champion | PJ Casey | Kingston Pique | |
| Best 4yr Old | Brian Murphy | Seagull | |
| Ballymena | Champion | Lesley Webb | Marksman |
| Reserve Champion | Emily Mcgowan | Silken Liberty | |
| Best 4yr Old | Lesley Webb | Greenhall miss R | |
| Charleville | Champion | Louise Lyons | Dartans Blockbuster |
| Reserve Champion | Lesley Webb | Double Take | |
| Best 4yr Old | Suzanne O Brien | Prince of Diamonds | |
| Clonmel | Champion | PJ Casey | Ballycreen Apollo |
| Reserve Champion | PJ Casey | Rathpierce Lord | |
| Best 4yr Old | Nicki Russell | Rafferty | |
| Adamstown | Champion and Best 4yr old | Aubrey Chapman | HMS Charlie Fox |
| Reserve Champion | Angus Mcdonnell | Statesman | |
| Bannon & Rathangan | Champion | Jane Bradbury | Bloomfield Waterfall |
| Reserve Champion | Nicola Perrin | Ballarin My Lady | |
| Best 4yr Old | Emily Taylor | Leroy Browne |
