After nine 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, 13 combinations came forward for what was anticipated to be a very competitive final for judges Mrs. Samantha Stephenson (ride) and Mrs. Lucy Killingbeck (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 even in the rain 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 of the class there was much deliberation between the judges to reach their decision.
The crowd went silent around the ring as they waited patiently for the announcement. The Connolly’s RED MILLS Champion of Champions went to Major Malone and Nicola Perrin with Reserve Champion and Best 4yo going to Killyclohghan Supreme Time and PJ Casey. Best Amateur was awarded to Angus McDonnell and Statesman.
Major Malone, owned and bred by John Stafford is a chestnut gelding by the Irish Draught stallion Rosheen Yeats out of the thoroughbred mare Croghan Lass (by Vestris Abu).
Reserve Champion and Best 4yo Killycloghan Supreme Time is owned by Thady Lynch. The bay gelding is by Natal out of the mare Killycloghan Time Limit (by Try-Time). Killycloghan Supreme Time was bred in Co. Cavan by William and Alison Rountree.
Connolly’s RED MILLS Champion of Champions qualified combinations
| Qualifier | Horse | Rider | |
| Athenry | Champion | Major Malone | Nicola Perrin |
| Reserve | Cappa Ranger | William McMahon | |
| Best 4yo | Cruising Mate | Claire Gilna | |
| Midleton | Champion and Best 4yo | Ballingowan Merit | Ann O’Grady |
| Reserve | Woodfield Xtra | Rosemary Connors | |
| Armagh | Champion | Tullynagee Apple Jack | Jamie Smyth |
| Reserve | Gortshalgan Q | Lynn Spence | |
| Ballivor | Champion | Symphony | Claire Gilna |
| Reserve and Best 4yo | Killycloghan Supreme Time | PJ Casey | |
| Gorey | Champion | Bloomfield Eloquence | Jane Bradbury |
| Reserve | Statesman | Angus McDonnell | |
| Best 4yo | Bloomfield Manuscript | Jane Bradbury | |
| Charleville | Champion | Woodfield Xtra | Rosemary Connors |
| Reserve and Best 4yo | Woodview Push Pay | Lesley Webb | |
| Adamstown | Champion | Seagull | Brian Murphy |
| Reserve and Best 4yo | Rockshore | Claire Gilna | |
| Clonmel | Champion | Major Malone | Nicola Perrin |
| Reserve and Best 4yo | Crown Star | PJ Casey | |
| Bannow | Champion and Best 4yo | Bloomfield Greystones | Jane Bradbury |
| Reserve | Peaky Blinder | Brian Murphy |
