New attractions for indoor show

The Whip and Collar Driving Club's annual indoor show is back by popular demand.
Cathy Brodie driving Llanarw IfanCathy Brodie driving Llanarw Ifan
Cathy Brodie driving Llanarw Ifan

This year the venue is Portmore Equestrian Centre, 1 Georges Island Road, Aghalee, Lurgan, BT67 ODW on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.

This will be this club’s fourth year to hold the event. And while interest has grown year-on-year from the start, this year has been no different.

The organisers have been delighted with the huge amount of interest being shown in this year’s event with many new sponsors coming on board and new cups and trophies to be presented to the various classes.

Ruth McCann driiving Wentworth Tiffany owned by George CunninghamRuth McCann driiving Wentworth Tiffany owned by George Cunningham
Ruth McCann driiving Wentworth Tiffany owned by George Cunningham

One such trophy is the new Alex Presho Memorial Trophy to be awarded to the winner of the Concour D’Elegance class. This was kindly sponsored by Mr Norman Brown for whom Alex successfully showed horses for many years. Alex was a great supporter of the club and show and will be sadly missed.

Also being presented this year for the first time will be the Pinky Beckett Memorial Cup for the winner of the Pleasure Driving Class. Pinky remains a popular figure around the horse fairs and shows and the cup is being sponsored by Pinky’s long time friend Mr Joe McAleese.

The show this year has a lot more happening with the introduction of some new classes including the Kerrybog and traditional cob in hand classes.

Also donkey, heavy trade and pleasure driving classes which should make it a day not to be missed by all in the driving and showing worlds.

Ruth McCann driiving Wentworth Tiffany owned by George CunninghamRuth McCann driiving Wentworth Tiffany owned by George Cunningham
Ruth McCann driiving Wentworth Tiffany owned by George Cunningham

Also taking part in the day will be members of the Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association in the adjacent arena.

The judges on the day are as follows: Mr Graham Henson from Lancashire, England, who judged last year’s Hackney Horse of the Year Show. He has also presided over many of the top shows on the mainland and has even judged RUAS Balmoral Show in the past. Also judging is Mr Philip Titterington, a vastly experienced horseman and a long time around the showing circuit.

This year the club has been delighted with the amount of new sponsors that have come on board and this is very appreciated on what are difficult financial times.

The show organisers would like to say a huge thank you to them one and all as large events of this nature could not be run successfully without their kindness and support.

All in all it is a day not to be missed as private drive, hackneys, light and heavy trade, donkeys, FEI driving will all be on show.

The show itself starts at 10am on Monday, May 2. The decision to start at an earlier time was taken in response to increasing interest being shown towards the show classes so make a date and please plan to attend with free admission.

For further information contact Paul Trimble on 07803 191 766 or follow them on Facebook at The Whip and Collar Driving Club.