It has been an incredibly busy month for the members of Castlehill RC, as a return to competition has seen the club out in force to compete at regional and national shows. The AIRC National Showjumping Championships were held recently at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, and the club had great representation across the grades. However, it was Vicky Rafter and her lovely horse Harry that put in a fantastic days jumping to place 6th in the AP class. We have no doubt there is a fantastic future ahead for this combination. Well done!
The highlight of the 2021 regional calendar was the NER Festival held recently at Cheval Showgrounds, a two day show that had classes for every interest; dressage, showing and showjumping. The dressage and SJ classes were held on the first day of competition, where the club performed extremely well. At her first RC competition with new steed Mr. Brown, Diane Ford took home 1st place in the primary class. Anne Dickenson and Rocklawns Warrior placed 5th in a very competitive AP class, Julia Spagnoletti and Piltown Bouncer were 3rd in the AI class, and Sarah Reilly and Clabbystown Little Tom placed 3rd in the Walk/Trot class. Club Chairperson Lindsey ilona Brady and Trigger Joe won the very competitive Open class, and were also members of the team made up of Mairead Dolan, Anne Dickenson and Diane Ford that won the team competition too. Incredible performances by our members at the inaugural NER Fesitival.
In the Showjumping competitions, Sarah Quinn and and her gorgeous rescue horse MLHR Aisling won the 60cm class at their first AIRC show. Club PRO and all round legend Sarah McNulty Malone won the 80cm class on her sparky mare Jinx ahead of Elaine Mulligan who placed 5th and Susan O’Connor who placed 6th. Niamh Murphy having recently upgraded to AI, placed 2nd in the 1m power and speed class, and then went on to win the 1m class on her lovely mare Railings Hopeful Scope.
After a rest on the Saturday night, our members were back at it again on the Sunday, where Niamh Murphy continued her winning streak to take home the red rosette in the intermediate Prix Caprilli class. In the 80cm performance hunter, Susan O’Connor and Miss Nonstop took 2nd place, ahead of Sarah Malone and Jinx who placed 5th. In the showing classes Sarah Quinn was 2nd in the primary class, and Susan O’Connor was 3rd in the mediumweight hunter class. Well done ladies!
The AIRC held the National Dressage Championships at Mullingar EC again this year, where the Castlehill RC team narrowly missed out on placing. The team was made up of Kate Hutcheson, Anne Dickenson, Genia DeSouza and Klara Ralph O’Connor, who against stiff competition placed 7th. Klara went on to win the primary class on her lovely mother/daughter shared gelding Castleview Ozzie. A fantastic achievement at a national level.
Drynam RC also held their annual Summer Show recently at the NSC, where Kate Hutcheson and Dolmen DeKlerk placed 3rd in the AI dressage class, just ahead of Julia Spagnoletti in 4th. In SJ, Emma Keane and French Tiffany placed 4th in the primary class, Susan O’Connor placed 1st in the AP class, Rose Hanratty and Aughlim Mrs D placed 6th in the intermediate class, and Julia Spagnoletti placed 6th in the AI class. Club member Michele Bowbrick also had her first day out as a professional photographer, taking snaps for Equine Show and Action Photography on the day. Fantastic achievements all round.
Finally, Castlehill RC would like to congratulate club Secretary Olivia Nolan and club member Francis Hand on their recent marriage. We would like to wish them every happiness for the future, both on and off horseback.
For more information please “like” our FB page, or contact Olivia on (086) 383 1802.