Sep, 2023
There was plenty of success for RED MILLS riders and customers at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken, Belgium last weekend.
Out of a massive 235 horses and riders that started the 5 year old qualifiers, a stunning performance from RED MILLS rider Mikey Pender and HHS Ocala (ISH) saw them top the podium following a thrilling World Final for 5 year old Show Jumping horses. HHS Ocala was bred by Marion Hughes and Miguel Bravo of the RED MILLS sponsored Hughes Horse Stud in County Kilkenny. Mikey Pender crossed the finish line with an impressive clear in the testing course in just 37.22 seconds.
There was more success for RED MILLS customer Ronan Rothwell of Boleybawn Stud with homebred stallion Boleybawn Alvaro claiming second place with another fantastic clear, just half a second behind Mikey, with a time of 37.72 seconds. Boleybawn Alvaro was piloted by Niamh McEvoy.
Irish Horse Board Director General Alison Corbally commented:
“Congratulations to gold medal winning rider Mikey Pender – twice so close in silver at these championships so it was lovely to see him win today with the homebred HHS Ocala. Many congratulations to Marion Hughes and Miguel Bravo who bred HHS Ocala and to Maria Vozone who did such a wonderful job producing HHS Ocala back at home in Ireland when Mikey was away on International duty. Congratulations also to Ronan Rothwell from Boleybawn Sport Horses. Ronan is no stranger to breeding success and bred the runner-up Boleybawn Alvaro (ISH) who was brilliantly ridden by Niamh McEvoy. Congratulations to all the Irish breeders, owners and riders who were part of this success.”
Another phenomenal performance from an Irish rider at the FEI Show Jumping World Championships for Young Horses at Lanken in Belgium, saw Wexford’s Harry Allen and Kumina Della Caccia (MIPAAF) win the 7-year-old final to complete an incredible championships for Irish horses and riders. One of 11 combinations who made it into the jump-off, Allen produced a daring dash against the clock with the daughter of Kannan, stopping the clock in 35.30 seconds to take victory.
Summing up the weekend, Irish Horse Board Director General Alison Corbally commented:
“On behalf of The Irish Horse Board, congratulations to Harry Allen and all the team at Ballywalter Stables on a brilliant victory in the 7-year-old World Championship final. This result capped a superb championships for Ireland, winning two gold, two silver and a bronze medal. Almost 700 horses and riders started the week here in Lanaken, and of the nine medals that were on offer, Ireland has won five of them which is an incredible achievement from the all the breeders, owners, riders and those working behind the scenes.”
Connolly’s RED MILLS are proud to be the official feed partner to the Irish Horse Board
