May, 2024
Connolly’s RED MILLS today 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 will take place at Balmoral Show next 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 homebred, 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 producing young horses.
Speaking at the Launch Nicola Perrin said, “The RED MILLS Champion of Champions Series is a fantastic way to bring the young horses on. It gives you something to aim at, and to focus on. It’s a brilliant showcase and spectacle, seeing the final line up of horses in each section in Barnadown in the grass arena and it’s just wonderful to see these Irish horses going forward. And it’s also something else to do and focus on just rather than just the Dublin Horse Show, which we need. And it’s one of its kind series in the country and it’s badly needed and it’s improving every year.”
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.
“We are immensely grateful for the continued support of Showing Ireland, its committee, the show organizers, and all the competitors who have contributed to the success of the Connolly’s RED MILLS Champion of Champions,” said Jane Davis Head of Equine Marketing at Connolly’s RED MILLS. “Together, we have built a platform that shines a light on showing and fosters a sense of community within the sport, encouraging participation. We look forward to another super season of competition and to witnessing the notable talent within the Irish showing community.”
Speaking at the launch Angus McDonnell, Chairman of the Showing Ireland said; “Showing Ireland is delighted that RED MILLS have come on board once again to sponsor the Champion of Champions. This all-Ireland competition has become the highlight of the showing world for all show riders both professional and amateurs alike. The Weighted Hunters, Ridden Horses and Amateur sections are all hugely important in their own right and we are really pleased with this collaboration to promote the art of showing and encourage participation.”
- Balmoral Show – 15th to the 18th of May
- Raheendaw Show – Sunday 2nd of June
- Ballivor Show – Sunday 9th of June
- Gorey Agricultural Show – Saturday 15th of June
- Newcastle West Agricultural Show – Sunday 23rd of June
- Ballyfoyle Agricultural Show – Sunday 30th of June
- Charleville Show – Sunday 30th of June
- Flavours of Fingal – Saturday 29th of June
- Wicklow Hunt Show – Sunday 14th of July (Final)
