Action-packed weekend for competitors at Tyrella

Tyrella was packed on Saturday and Sunday for a weekend extravaganza run by Eventing Ireland's Northern Region, writes Dora Beacom.

The weather certainly was favourable as the Co Down estate was bathed in glorious sunshine for most of the two days.

Saturday was the Annual Two Phase Event where three encouraging tracks, designed and built by Adam Stevenson provided an excellent training ground prior to the start of the eventing season.

Competitors had travelled from all over Ireland to take advantage of this excellent training opportunity. Sharon and Danielle Cullen had put significant effort into the fence decorations which were much admired by all.

The day saw a wide spectrum of age groups in attendance from the well known and much respected octogenarian Albert Lowry who jumped clear in the 90cms class with his amazingly talented horse, Oh Dear. On the other scale we had five month old Willow Duncan conducting her first Fence Judging duty with mum, Alana.

The 1m class was divided according to speed with the first section confined to competitors who wished to pitch themselves at Eventing Ireland’s CNC1* speed while the second class was run at EI100 speed.

Event one saw first place being awarded to a new combination of Rachel Rendle and Ballyvalley Bay who were one of twenty eight competitors to finish on a zero score. However, Rachel was closest to the optimum time, followed by Katie Good and Queen of Coins.

Meantime, Herbie Purce riding Stan, took the honours in the second 1m class ahead of Noah Brown and Jimmy Thunderstruck.

Once again, huge entries in the Senior 90cms class meant it was subdivided into two. Kathryn Graham had a fantastic win in the ‘A’ section on Heather Graham’s Flush Hill Fendi followed closely by Fiona Fitzgibbon on Shirley Gracey’s Grey Cheeky Charlie.

Emily Corbett took the red rosette in the ‘B’ section with Don’t Tell Caesar while Victoria Clarke and Chance Choice followed closely behind.

The prize for the most delighted winner must go to Bethany Smith in the Junior 90cms class with Maximillion, followed by Melissa McKee and Dolly.

Darren McClory proved his worth in the Senior 80cms class with Mister Tumble followed by Camilla Manningham-Buller and Ever Ready.

Another delighted competitor was young Zara Sharvin who took Event 6 by storm on Polly, posting the only zero score in the class. She was followed by Caoimhe McKeown and PJ.

Eventing Ireland is deeply indebted to David Corbett for the use of his excellent facilities at Tyrella which allowed the event to run in perfect conditions even with the recent heavy rain. Many thanks too, to course designer, Adam Stevenson and to Stuart Stirling, Technical Delegate, who did a remarkable job of ensuring that the whole cross country element ran flawlessly. Catherine McDowell took no prisoners at the start of cross country, keeping a steady flow progressing through to the start box where they were counted down by the very professional duo of Desi and Eunice Graham.

Peter Quirke and David Kirkpatrick provided continuous commentary throughout the seven hours of cross country, assisted by Chief Controller, Gillian McCoy, Tina Sterling-Berry, Amanda Hammerton and Vikki White. Raymond Cullen, now an expert in his field, was responsible for the finish times. The excellent Showjumping courses were designed and built by Aaron McCusker.

David Greene and Sharon Cullen judged the showjumping while Amanda and Tristan Wallace, in their very professional manner, ensured that there was never a lull in proceedings. Ronnie Beggs, Claire Palmer and Richard McCracken epitomized dedication to duty throughout a very long day of scoring.

As always, Richard Nesbitt, was on hand to perform just about every task.

Thanks, as always to all the fence judges, who did sterling work throughout the long day and to Dawn Carlisle and Judith Evans whose hospitality was first class.

Sunday was an absolutely glorious day for the ‘Go As you Please’ which provided an opportunity for folk to compete at leisure over the courses used on the Saturday. There were unprecedented numbers taking advantage of a wonderful family outing, with sand castle building and beach walks also on the cards.

Saturday, March 25, marks the start of the Northern Region One Day Events at Tyrella. Spectators are most welcome and if anyone would like to help in any capacity, contact Dora on 07876 758 979.

Full results

Event 1: 1, Rachel Rendle, Ballyvalley Bay; 2, Katie Good, Queen of Coins; 3, Conal McGrath, BLS Linvara; 4= Clare Abbott, Timpany Night & Ruth Robinson, Jack; 6= Michael McNally, Piper & Suzanne Hagan, Toby & Anita Doherty, Ruby

Event 2: 1, Herbie Purce, Stan; 2, Noah Brown, Jimmy Thunderstruck; 3, Beth Murray, Kit N Kaboodle; 4, Kat Butler-Ward, The Spin Doctor; 5, Laoise O’Farrell, Primitive Pip; 6, Gemma Goodrich, Miss Clover Rock

Event 3A: 1, Kathryn Graham, Flush Hill Fendi; 2, Fiona Fitzgibbon, Grey Cheeky Charlie; 3, Maebh Schaible, Mirah’s Skylark; 4, Sarah Panasche, Bob; 5, Judith McCarthy, Mixed Up; 6, Clare Steele, Tullymurry Bluebell

Event 3B: 1, Emily Corbett, Don’t Tell Caesar; 2, Victoria Clarke, Chance Choice; 3, Sharon Cowan, Calin King; 4, Shannon McNally, Queenie; 5, Emma Leathem, Drumcill Step To Harmony; 6, Rachel Ferres, Arnold

Event 4: 1, Bethany Smith, Maxamillion; 2, Melissa McKee, Dolly; 3= Alex Cleland, Rafa Smash & Carly Douglas, Imari; 5, Hannah Morrow, Marley; 6, Hannah Morrow, Moyans Dun Deal

Event 5: 1, Darren McClory, Mister Tumble; 2, Camilla Manningham-Buller, Ever Ready; 3, Rachel Ferres, Mo; 4, Sarah Brashaw, Arabian Knight; 5, Helen Faulkner, Derrivane Danny; 6, Elizabeth Eames, Larry

Event 6: 1, Zara Sharvin, Polly; 2, Caoimhe McKeown, PJ; 3, Alex Turley, Summer; 4, Katie Topley, Lazer; 5, Alex Ogle, Minstral; 6, Erin Carson, Kilgarry Breezer.