MIDLANDS
NOVICE TEAM CHALLENGE
2008
The Midlands Region created a small piece of history today. It followed from a rather innovative idea of Liam Murphy’s [Lakelands]. He suggested one night at a regional meeting that it would be a good idea to run a competition within the region. This competition would include grades from primary to intermediate for members from all the clubs in the region. It may have taken a little time to bring this idea to fruition but this event was a resounding success today.
It was decided to run this event at the Bogtrotters Pre-Festival Show at Annaharvey Equestrian Centre. With beautiful if slightly windy weather and fourteen teams from the region the stage was set for an interesting day. Teams consisted of four riders with grades being chosen from Primary, Advanced Primary and Intermediate. No more than two intermediate riders were allowed per team.
Primary riders got the balling rolling with the host club Bogtrotters the first to test the waters. The line out of teams was as follows: -
Bogtrotters, Lakelands Ladies, Kilrainy Cantaloupes, Mosstown Bunnies, Lakelands Lions, Kilrainy Clementines, Mo Chara A, Annaharvey, Mo Chara B, Kilrainy Kiwis, Mo Chara C, Tara Hill, Mo Chara D and Mo Chara E
The course was then raised for the Advanced Primary riders with some teams only starting and some on their second rider the atmosphere was already heating up. Depending on their grade some teams then moved on to their third rider and scores were starting to emerge.
The intermediate riders were the last to jump and they would be the deciders for which teams would jump off against the clock. With some teams on only four faults and some zero it was quite nail biting watching these final riders jump.
Finally scores were added up with four teams finishing on a zero scores. This meant an exciting jump off ensued with members loudly cheering on their team riders.
Thomasina Barron from the Kilrainy Clementines had the unenviable task of trying the jump off course first. On Ovidstown Ben she set a time of 37.29 but with a pole on the ground. Next out was Niall Dunne riding Smoothie for
Mo Chara A. He set the fastest time of the jump off at 32.34 but again with a pole on the floor. Eileen Doran riding the consistent Baresi for the Kilrainy Kiwis set out determinedly and while she almost caught Niall’s time [33.42] she also left a pole on the ground. Last out Patricia Weldon for Tara Hill knew what was needed to win. She duly did the deed bringing Dunlevey Gustav home clear in a steady time of 42.85.
The final two placings then had to be decided before the full results could be announced. The results are as follows: -
PLACINGS FOR MIDLANDS NOVICE TEAM CHALLENGE
1ST TARA HILL
Audrey Furlong (AP) Diamond Mondi 0
Janet Cooke (AP) Kimberley Gem 0
Damien McCormack (I) Aslan 0
Patricia Weldon (I) (Capt) Dunlevey Gustav 0 total 0
2ND MO CHARA A
Jacinta Dunne (P) Calipso 0
Mary Holton (AP) Misty Dreamer 0
Paul Smith (I) George Kill 4
Niall Dunne (I) Capt Smoothie 0 total 0
3RD KILRAINY KIWIS
Miriam Kenna (AP) Enfield Misty 4
Joe Conway (AP) Samson 0
Grainne Healy (AP) Orlando 0
Eileen Doran (I) Capt Baresi 0 total 0
4TH KILRAINY CLEMENTINES
Danny Fitzpatrick (P) Jess E
John McManus (AP) Quincy 0
Aisling Foster (I) Jackson's Rock 0
Thomasina Barron (I) Capt Ovidstown Ben 0 total 0
5TH LAKELANDS LADIES
Moira Doherty (P) Benaughlin Dreams 0
Jacqueline Magennis (AP) Bradlieve Delight 4
Jacinta Magennis (I) Shalamar Jessie 8
Linda Kane (I) Capt Midnight Blue Diamond 0 total 4
TIME PENALTIES 5.57
6TH MO CHARA E
Samantha Dunne (AP) Calipso 4
Lorcan Carey (AP) Clonlose Lady 0
Eddie Mallon (I) Punch 4
Caitriona O Meara Rosie's Rebel 0 total 4
TIME PENALTIES 17.50
JUMP OFF: (in order of jumping)
Thomasina Barron Ovidstown Ben 4 37.29
Niall Dunne Smoothie 4 32.34
Eileen Doran Baresi 4 33.42
Patricia Weldon Dunlevy Gustav 0 42.85
Midlands have led the way with this new format for a competition, which is sure to be endorsed, by other regions. It will definitely be a future event in the Midlands Region and is sure to grow following this inaugural day.
Go Midlands Go
Another new venture in the Midlands Region this year, which is also proving interesting, is the league table for all grades. Showjumping points are scored for placings and also one point is awarded for riders jumping a double clear but not placed. These scores and more are available on the Midlands Region website.
TARA HILL
Patricia Weldon [Dunlevey Gustav], Damien McCormack [Aslan], Janet Cooke [Kimberely Gem] and Audrey Furlong [Diamond Mondi]
