Oct, 2021
RED MILLS Riders were in top form over the weekend producing a string of impressive results around the globe including the USA, Portugal and the UK!
Portuguese Grand Prix win for Mikey Pender
A brilliant performance from Kildare’s Mikey Pender saw him come out on top in Sunday’s three-star Grand Prix at Vilamoura in Portugal
Pender’s winning performance came aboard The Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais following a seven-horse jump-off with the Irish rider finishing almost a second ahead of his nearest challenger, Brazil’s Felipe Ramos Guinato, who took runner-up spot with Bigstar.
Portugal’s Duarte Seabra would finish third with HHS Washington. Vivalgot, who is owned by Ireland’s Dermott Lennon and out of his World Championship winning mare Liscalgot, grabbed fourth place with another double clear round when ridden by Mario Prieto (POR).
Swail Strikes Again
Ireland’s Conor Swail won his second Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ competition of the season, taking Leg 2 of 8 at Sacramento on Saturday.
Paired again with Vital Chance de la Roque, his Selle Français partner with whom he also won two weeks ago at Langley, Swail beat out three other riders in an exciting jump off to take the top honours.
Magic 24hrs for Michael Duffy
Michael Duffy had a super Saturday at Horse of the Year Show, first taking the win in the Grandstand Challenge with Jeff Ten Halven followed by clearing an impressive 2.16m to win the Puissance with RMF Charlie.
Breen Shares the Spoils in 5 Fence Challenge
Shane Breen on Vistogrand and John Whitaker on Sharid both cleared 1.75m to win the HOYS five-fence challenge, in a display of the highest-class riding.
Only three of 15 starters made it the the fourth and final round of jumping, by which time the fences were all at least 1.70m, the final vertical at 1.75.
Shane’s ride, Carron Nicol and Breen Equestrian’s eight-year-old gelding, was faultless throughout all four rounds, staying as calm and rhythmical as the fences increased 30cm from their start height.
Aird Claims Ridden Heavy Horse Championship
Kirsty Aird was in the driving seat of Margo Mcintyre’s Dillars Ideal nine-year-old Glenside Matthew’s Flower Of Scotland (Thistle). The pair qualified at Royal Cheshire County back in June.
“She’s always deserved her chance as she’s a lovely mare with a lot to give,” said Kirsty.
Thistle is based with Ron Brewster and his team, and driving is her first career:
“I go and ride her once or twice a week and then we meet up at shows,” said Kirsty. “She has a lovely attitude which makes my job a lot easier.
“She’s very mannerly, comfortable and goes off the leg; she rides like a sports horse.”
Leading Showjumper of the year title for Harry Charles
A string of impressive results for Harry Charles at Horse of the Year Show culminated in victory in the Leading Showjumper of the Year Grand Prix aboard Stardust!
Biddick Clinches Victory
The Accumulator class at Horse of the Year Show was a great class for RED MILLS Riders with 3 riders finishing in the top 5. Harriet Biddick riding Night of Glory, an 11 year-old chestnut mare, picked up the maximum score of 65 alongside four others from the field of twenty-eight starters. It was Harriet’s incredibly fast time that stole the win for her when she crossed the line in 46.48 seconds, more than three seconds ahead of her closes rival Shane Breen with Vistogrand. with Harry Charles in 5th with Stardust.
