Top class show copper fastens Millstreet’s equine credentials
FAMILIAR faces were out in force at the the Millstreet Summer Horse Show which proved an unqualified success for all involved.
The impressive show concluded on Sunday evening following a busy five day schedule as the picturesque Green Glens Complex hosted a diverse 105 event programme – on time, despite inclement weather on the closing day.
A festive atmosphere emerged throughout the town once the cavalcade of horse trucks began earlier in the week, with participants arriving from as far afield as Australia and Finland. Indeed, the economy of Millstreet was boosted significantly and ‘no vacancy’ signs forced late-comers to seek accommodation further afield in the likes of Macroom, Killarney and Mallow.
Within the arenas, National Showjumping Champion Francis Connors and 10-year-old chestnut mare Erne Lady Goldilocks combined to land a thrilling €25,000 Millstreet Grand Prix.
Connors is a regular visitor to Millstreet for close on 40 years and a frequent figure on the podium, yet it had been as far back as 2007 since his last Grand Prix win. The popular Waterford veteran delighted his supporters with the only double clear round to earn owner and breeder Hugh Fitzpatrick another prestigious accolade.
Bandon’s Olivia Roycroft and her mare Wetspalstown Lady enjoyed a terrific opening round, just one of only seven pairings to go clear. However, the versatile sports lady was unable to sustain her effort in the testing second round and finished with 12 faults.
In the jump-off featuring 12 horses with zero and four faults, Connors put down a marker and set the pace in a clear and decent time. The remainder faltered, the closest to the Kill rider was UK visitor Graham Lovegrove aboard Centolove and Captain Geoff Curran on the Minister of Defence owned Dollanstown filling runner up and third placed positions.
Ever determined to add to his good memories of Millstreet, Connors was thrilled with the latest success.
“The mare jumped super over a tough course – not so many clear rounds. I knew I wasn’t going to be the fastest and it was important to obtain a second clear”, he said.
On doing so, Connors took his third Millstreet Grand Prix, winner in 2001 with Cruiseway, adding to the 2007 honours on Merlins Magic. The great veteran of Irish equestrian sport summed up a fabulous week in Millstreet.
“Its one of my favourite shows, the atmosphere is laid back, friendly crowds and fantastic young talent is evident in the young horse classes. The main arena is an unbelieveable improvement, all credit to the Duggan family,” said Connors.
Former young rider world medallist, Kildare’s Mickey Pender recorded a superb double, winning the Millstreet Ruby five-year-old final with the Marion Hughes-owned Irish Sport Horse, Forty Roses. A star in the making, Pender added the Millstreet Boomerang Final for 6 & 7-year-olds with the Hughesowned Irish Sport Horse, HHS Fortune and for good measure, he also filled runner-up spot with HHS Washington.
Over the week, the arenas buzzed where the thrills and spills tested the resolve of both horse and rider. Indeed, Millstreet Horse Show maintained its status as a celebration of the strong equestrian tradition within Ireland.
Patrons who flocked to the spacious Green Glens venue were again provided with the opportunity to view some of the international and Irish riders’ jump for honours, while some of the foremost young horses and their owners searched for honours in the showing classes.
With close on €200,000 prizemoney on offer, Millstreet’s reputation as equine’s friendliest festival was again confirmed over the week.