The third renewal of the Connolly’s RED MILLS Champion of Champions, which will culminate in a grand finale at The National Horse and Pony Championships on the 7th August in Killossery Lodge Stud is back by popular demand with a prize-fund of over €5,000.
The initiative launched by Showing Ireland, the Association for Show Horses in Ireland has been expanded this year to include three Champion of Champions Finals.
The Champion, Reserve Champion and highest placed 4yo from the Weighted Hunter classes at the qualifying shows will go forward to compete for the Connolly’s RED MILLS Hunter Champion of Champions.
This year the series has been expanded to include the Champion and Reserve Champion from the Ridden Horse sections who will qualify to compete Connolly’s RED MILLS Ridden Horse Champion of Champions.
Another exciting addition for 2021 is the introduction of a new final for amateur riders. The 1st and 2nd placed prize winners in the amateur class at each qualifier will go forward to compete in the Connolly’s RED MILLS Amateur Champion of Champions. (See below for qualification guidelines)
This year the RED MILLS Champion of Champions will be worth a total of €5,500 combining both cash prizes and prizes from the Connolly’s RED MILLS, Foran Equine and Carr & Day & Martin products ranges.
Hunter Champion of Champions €750
4yo Hunter Champion of Champions €450
Ridden Horse Champion of Champions €750
Amateur Champion of Champions €350
A prize-fund of €700 will be divided equally amongst all competitors who take part in the Finals.
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. The competition for 2021 now has a substantially increased prize fund. 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.”
Jane Davis, Equine Brand Manager, Connolly’s RED MILLS said; “It has been a year like no other and we are delighted to support the 2021 RED MILLS Champion of Champions. Huge credit needs to go to Showing Ireland and the show organisers, who have pulled together to plan this series of shows and qualifiers.
The RED MILLS Champion of Champions has shone a light on the sport and this year’s additions will make it even bigger and better. We are also delighted to bring our sister companies Foran Equine and Carr & Day & Martin to each of the qualifiers where we’ll have some great prizes on offer.
At RED MILLS we put the horse at the centre of everything we do, and the Champion of Champions enables us to showcase how impactful nutrition can be and of course the all-important finishing touches with the Carr & Day & Martin product range, including the grooming kit favourites, Canter Mane & Tail and Dream Coat, when producing the show horse and optimising performance.”
List of qualifying shows:
- Ardnacashel
- GlandoranIsland Pre-Summer Training Show
- Carlow Show
- Mullingar Equestrian
- Sceilig Equestrian – Sunday 27th June
- Kilbride Show – Sunday 4th July
- Wexford Equestrian – Sunday 11th July
- Nugentstown Horse & Country Fair – Saturday 17th July
- Wicklow’s Summer Show – Sunday 18th July
- Glandoran Island Summer Show – Sunday 1st August
Final: The National Horse and Pony Championships on the 7th of August in Killossery Lodge Stud
