WITH a record number of over 1,000 entries in the equestrian classes and over 15,000 visitors to the show grounds, the organisers were kept extremely busy in running the 168th annual Armagh County Agricultural Show held in Gosford Forest Park.
After a sharp shower of rain in the morning, the sky cleared, the temperature rose and the grounds were bathed in glorious sunshine for the remainder of the day allowing both competitors and spectators to fully enjoy the day's activities.
All sectio
ns of the equestrian programme were well supported and competition was keen for the rosettes on offer.
New events such as the NI Hound Show and the Mounted Pony Games proved to be a real success and the ringsides were thronged with spectators for most of the day.
Other classes introduced to the programme this year such as Veteran Horse and Pony and Ladies Side Saddle proved popular and, hopefully, entries will grow in these events in the future.
The Show Jumping competition also continues to grow and ground conditions were just about perfect this year. As entries continue to increase in this area, it is planned to substantially expand the Schedule for next year to meet the demand.
All the other regular sections in the pony and horse rings also attracted increased support and the final verdict of the day from the Armagh Horse and Pony Committee was that it was a thoroughly successful Show and they look forward to welcoming everyone back again on Saturday, June 12.
Results;
Miniature Horses
Class 170 - Foals and Yearlings: 1st, Jade Savage, Kwaimoon Hot to Trot; 2nd, John Kidd, Ultimate Free Spirit.
Class 171 - Two/three Year old: 1st, Andrew Ferguson, Kwaimoon Johnny Be Good; 2nd, Amanda Mackey, Shadowplay Rhythm and Blue.
Class 172 - Four Year old and over: 1st, Stella McLachlan, Hinchlone Copper Cameo; 2nd, Ronan Garvey, Looking Glass Pink Diamond.
Class 173 - Stallions: 1st, Sandra Flynn, Glenhollow As if By Magic; 2nd, J Austin, Mac.
Class 174 - Best Junior Handler: 1st, Caoimhe Curtis; 2nd, Cameron Hewitt.
Class 175 - Jumping Class: 1st, Stella McLachlan, Hinchlone Copper Cameo; 2nd, Megan Hewitt, Penny.
Miniature Horse Championship: Champion, Andrew Ferguson, Kwaimoon Johnny Be Good; Reserve, Jade Savage, Kwaimoon Hot to Trot.
Donkey Classes
Class 176 - Male Donkey in hand: 1st, Robert Wallace, Denis; 2nd, Jackie Walker, Joseph.
Class 177 - Female Donkey in hand: 1st, Robert Wallace, Kinedale Sparkler; 2nd, Pat Martin, Priscilla.
Class 178 - The All-Ireland Donkey Mare & Foal Championship Qualifier(s): Pat Martin, Priscilla; Robert Wallace, Kinedale Sparkler.
Donkey Championship: Champion, Robert Wallace, Denis; Reserve, Pat Martin, Priscilla.
Class 179 - Best Turned Out Donkey: 1st, Jackie Walker, Denis; 2nd, Robert Wallace, Joseph.
Class 180 - Pet Donkey: 1st, Caroline Giles-Lee, Mr Jingles; 2nd, Jackie Walker, Jacob.
Class 181 - Lead Rein: 1st, Jackie Walker, Jacob; 2nd, Tristan Wallace, Denis.
The Cecil Bunting Trophy for Champion Donkey went to Robert Wallace and Denis, and Reserve was Pat Martin and Priscilla
Clydesdales
Class 183 - Yearling: 1st (only) John Cross, Castletown Chancer.
Class 183A - Filly Yearling: 1st, D&J Gass, Irish Mist; 2nd, Terry Mills, Woodhill Joan.
Class 184 - Two-Year Old: 1st, David McBriar, Woodhill Jasper; 2nd, Eddie Murtagh, Covey Dan.
Class 185 - Three-Years and Over: 1st, Bertie Hanna, Rockgrove Spot; 2nd, Eric Hinds, Rosehall Stuart.
Class 185A - Three-Year Old Female: 1st, John Drummond, Bratlach Enchantress.
Clydesdale Championship: Champion, Noel & Stuart Porter, Roes Hall Duchess; Reserve, John Drummond, Bratlach Enchantress.
Breeding Horses & Young Stock
Irish Draughts Horses
Class 186 - Registered Irish Draft Brood Mare: 1st, Harry Wilson, Tievenny Rebel Lady; 2nd, R&PS Mullan, Roma Diamond Bay.
Class 187 - Pure Bred Irish Draft Colt Foal: 1st, R&PS Mullan, Moon Dancer.
Class 188 Pure Bred Irish Draft Filly Foal: 1st, R&PS Mullan, Madame Stella.
Class 189 - Nissan Irish Draft Horse Society Irish Draft Colt Foal Championship Qualifier: R&PS Mullan, Moon Dancer.
Class 190 - Nissan Irish Draft Horse Society Irish Draft Filly Foal Championship Qualifier: R&PS Mullan, Madame Stella.
Class 191 - Leitrim Irish Draft Breeders Championship: Gerald Sweeney, Hollyhill Classic.
Class 192 - Yearling from Registered Irish Draft Mare & Stallion: 1st, Hughie Murphy, Barnaview Queen; 2nd, J Stewart, Gransha Tarrango.
Class 193 - The Roscommon Irish Draft Yearling Filly Championship Qualifier: Samuel J Smyth, Cloonacauneed Rita.
Class 194 - Two year old from Registered Irish Draft Mare & Stallion: 1st, Charmaine Kee, Gweebarra Gen; 2nd, R&J Huey, Loguestown Blue Belle.
Class 195 - The Irish Draught Two Year Old Filly Championship Qualifier: 1st, Sean Colhoun, Lady Stardust; 2nd, R&J Huey, Loguestown Blue Belle.
Class 196 - Three Year Old from Registered Irish Draft Mare & Stallion: 1st, K&W Bell, Castleview Sea Storm.
Champion Registered Irish Draught Young Horse Championship: Champion, K&W Bell, Castleview Sea Storm; Reserve, Hughie Murphy, Barnaview Queen.
Non-Thoroughbred Mares & Foals
Class 197 - Brood Mare Likely to Produce a Hunter: 1st, William Smyth, Cosmo Girl; 2nd, Valerie Breen, Banglestown Imp.
Class 198 - Foal from Brood Mare likely to make a hunter: 1st, Valerie Breen; 2nd, William Smyth.
Class 199 - The A Browne Filly Foal All Ireland Championship Qualifier: Valerie Breen.
Class 200 - Yearling, Colt or Gelding Likely to Make a Hunter: 1st, Ambrose Irwin, Mr Talent.
Class 201 - The Pat & Eileen Fitzgerald Yearling Colt/Gelding All Ireland Championship Qualifier: Ambrose Wilson, Mr Talent.
Class 202 - Yearling Filly Likely to Make a Hunter: 1st, Richard Gildea; 2nd, Jane Johnston.
Class 203 - Two Year Old Gelding Likely to Make a Hunter: 1st, Desmond Gibson, Free Spirit; 2nd, Pat Martin, Corporate Choice.
Class 204 - The Red Mills Non-Thoroughbred Two-Year-Old All Ireland Championship Qualifiers: Desmond Gibson, Free Spirit
Pat Martin, Corporate Choice.
Class 205 - Two-year-old Filly Likely to Make a Hunter: 1st, Francis Dunn, Kilpatrick Golden Choice.
Class 206 - The Kildysart Two-Year-Old All Ireland Championship Qualifier: Francis Dunn, Kilpatrick Golden Choice.
Class 207 - Three Year Old Gelding Likely to Make a Hunter: 1st, Francis Dunn, Cairnside Houdini; 2nd, M Lewis & J Ryan, Im Chadwick.
Class 208 - Three Year Old Filly Likely to Make a Hunter: 1st, Cloughroe Stud, Solsboro Cecily; 2nd, Catherine Hanna, Sky Double Take.
Non-Thoroughbred Young Horse Championship: Champion, Francis Dunn, Cairnside Houdini; Reserve, Desmond Gibson, Free Spirit.
Class 209 - The Galway Irish Crystal/Belleek China Three-Year Old All Ireland Horse Championship Qualifier(s): Francis Dunn, Cairnside Houdini; Cloughroe Stud, Solsboro Cecily.
Class 210 - Coloured Horse any age: 1st, Judith Kerr, Indian Toby; 2nd, Hannah Lockhart, Harlequin Lady.
Class 211 - Veteran Horse: 1st, Nicola Kelly, Troy; 2nd, Laura Ann Downey, School Cottage Kilmore Diamond.
The Fox & Stewart Solicitors Overall Champion Horse of the Show 2009: Francis Dunn, Cairnside Houdini.
Ridden Hunters
Class 212 - Mare or Gelding under saddle up to 12st 7lbs: 1st, Michael Lewis, Raphael; 2nd, Trevor Wallace, Glen Sensaw.
Class 213 - Mare or Gelding under saddle over 12st 7lbs and up to 14st: 1st, Terry Johnston, Basil; 2nd, Trevor Wallace, Adamstown.
Class 214 - Mare or Gelding under saddle over 14st: 1st, Desmond Corr, Trew 'n'Moy; 2nd, Terry Johnston, Bruce.
Class 215 - Small Hunter over 14.2 hands under 15.2 hands: 1st, Sharon Martin, Ballycreely Boy; 2nd, M Gault, Coolattin Cal.
Ridden Hunter Championship: Champion, Terry Johnston, Basil; Reserve, Sharon Martin, Ballycreely Boy.
Class 216 - Riding Horse four years old and over exceeding 148cm: 1st, Francis Dunn, Kilpatrick Pride and Joy; 2nd, Lyndsey Wallace, Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Class 217 - Cob not exceeding 15.1 hands under saddle: 1st, S McAteer, Landmark; 2nd, Judith Hamilton, Ice Man.
Class 218 - Open Riding for Style & Appearance: 1st, Heather Gordon, The Kings Cavalier; 2nd, Ann Regan, I Say Shay.
Class 218A - Ladies Side-Saddle: Winner: Rebecca Kavanagh, Master Henry.
Class 219 - Horse under saddle for both horses and riders never placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd at a County Show: 1st, DC Kilpatrick, Redwood; 2nd, Monica Savage, Drumnagilly Hill.
Class 220 - Coloured Horse - over 148cm under saddle: 1st, H Leathem, Drumcill Splash of Paint; 2nd, Judith McCarthy, Mixed Up.
Ponies
Pony Breeding / Youngstock
Class 221 - Pony Brood Mare: 1st, Kate Burns, Millcroft Evangelicia.
Class 222 - 1/2/3YO Colt Gelding or Filly <146cm: 1st, Mrs D Lewis, Eases Kingasher; 2nd, Mrs Judy McCusker, Catamini; 3rd, J & T Harper, Stanley Grange Regal Request.
Pony Youngstock Championship: Champion, Mrs D Lewis, Eases Kingasher; Reserve, Kate Burns, Millcroft Evangelicia.
Class 224 - Lead Rein Show Pony: 1st, Lauren Houston, Mountain Gemma; 2nd, Anita McClurge, Romany River Odette.
Class 225 - First Ridden Show Pony: 1st, Daryl Sommerville, Jack VIII; 2nd, Gillian Creighton, Musely Legacy.
Mini Show Pony Championship: Champion, Lauren Houston, Mountain Gemma; Reserve, Daryl Sommerville, Jack VIII.
Class 226 - Show Hunter Pony Lead Rein: 1st, Anita McClurg, Little Miss Foxy Loxy; 2nd, Alice Magill.
Class 227 - Show Hunter Pony First Ridden: 1st, Gillian Creighton, Mountain Game Coolz; 2nd, Hannah Thompson, Kenilwood April.
Mini Hunter Pony Championship: Champion, Gillian Creighton, Mountain Game Coolz; Reserve, Anita McClurg, Little Miss Foxy Loxy.
Class 228 - Novice Show Pony: 1st:, J & T Harper, Ravara Benjamin Bunny; 2nd, Connor McCormick, Brookvale Lavender Lady.
Class 229 - Novice Show Hunter Pony: 1st, Susan Perry, Langarth Donna; 2nd, Zoe Bell, Perrygrove Owen Glyndwr.
Novice Show Hunter Pony Championship: Champion, J & T Harper,Ravara Benjamin Bunny; Reserve, Susan Perry, Langarth Donna.
Class 230 - Open Show Hunter Pony <148cm: 1st, Kerry Taggart; 2nd, Leonora Curry, Kenilwood Windchime.
Class 231 - Open Show Hunter Pony <153cm: 1st, Gillian Creighton, Mountain Game Cock; 2nd, Nicola Stewart, Tahoe Tradewinds.
Open Show Hunter Pony Championship: Champion, Kerry Taggart; Reserve, Gillian Creighton, Mountain Game Cock
Class 232 - Mixed Mountain & Moorland Small Breeds any age: 1st, Ballyloughan Ponies, Heniarth Shooglenifty; 2nd, J & T Harper, Ravara Miss Daisy.
Class 233: Mixed Mountain & Moorland Large Breeds any age: 1st, Euan McCracken; 2nd, Gemma Estler, Masshill Carrick.
Mixed M & M in-Hand Championship: Champion, Euan McCracken; Reserve, Ballyloughan Ponies, Heniarth Shooglenifty
Family Ponies
Class 234 - Family Pony Lead Rein: 1st, Sandra Somerville, Lacy Jethro; 2nd, Niamh Porter-Payne, Forlan Sweetcharity.
Class 235 - Family Ridden Ponies (< 12years old): 1st, Lucy Savage, Oliver Twist; 2nd, Victoria Thompson, Dante.
Class 236 - Family Ridden Ponies (> 12years old): 1st, Naomi Lucas, Poppy; 2nd, Hannah Catterall, Miss Elle.
Family Pony Mini Championship - Malcolm Anderson Memorial Trophy: Champion, Sandra Somerville, Lacy Jethro; Reserve, Lucy Savage, Oliver Twist.
Class 237 - Coloured Pony In Hand: 1st, Suzanne Gilpin; 2nd, Derek Montgomery.
Class 238 - Coloured Pony Ridden: 1st, Nicola Stewart, Tahoe Tradewinds; 2nd, Lucille Gilpin, Sundial Cuddy.
Coloured Pony Championship: Champion, Nicola Stewart, Tahoe Tradewinds; Reserve, Suzanne Gilpin.
Class 239 - Veteran Pony In Hand: 1st, Ballyloughan Ponies, Hilltop Tinkerbelle; 2nd, Nicola Stewart, Ballyrourke Star.
Class 240 - Family Pony Young Handlers: 1st, Susan Thompson, Stonewall Katie; 2nd, Joan Kiernan, Jack Mo Bhara.
Native Ponies
Shetlands
Class 241 - Shetland Colt/Gelding/Filly 1-3YO: 1st, Daphne Hall, Carajane Senti; 2nd, Helen Coxon, Carajane Showman.
Class 242 - Shetland Gelding 4YO and over: 1st, Glenlough Pony Stud - Struie Rob; 2nd, Sharon Cumberland - H R E Hobbit.
Class 243 - Stallion / Mare 4YO and over: 1st, Zoe Bell, Barns Isabel; 2nd, A D Wheeler, Naomis Mistral.
Conly Cup for the Best Shetland Brood Mare: Mervyn Mulligan, Haviestoun Demaras.
Glenmar Cup for the Best Male Shetland Pony: Glenlough Pony Stud, Struie Rob.
Class 244: Shetland Foal: 1st, Mervyn Mulligan; 2nd, Tony Bell.
Connemaras
Class 245 - Ridden Connemara 4YO and over: 1st, Nicola Brown, Ceide Rose; 2nd, Claire Kinley, New Line Star.
Class 246 - Connemara Stallion / Gelding 4YO and over: 1st, Nicola Brown, Craigmount Sparrow.
Class 247 - Connemara Colt / Gelding or Filly 3YO or under: 1st, Mick McMenamin, Newgrange Beauty; 2nd, Mrs F Morrison, Holiday Fancy Lady.
Class 248 - Connemara Brood Mare: 1st, F & D O'Reilly, Glencarrig Lucy; 2nd, J & M Riordan, Tawin Hazel.
Class 249 - Connemara Foal:1st, F & D O'Reilly; 2nd, J & M Riordan, Lishmar Misty.
Connemara Championship: Champion, F & D O'Reilly, Glencarrig Lucy; Reserve, J & M Riordan, Tawin Hazel.
Connemara All-Ireland Foal Championship: Filly Qualifier, J & M Riordan, Lishmar Misty; Colt Qualifier, F & D O'Reilly.
Welsh Ponies
Class 250 - Welsh Section A: 1st, Connor McCormick, Brookvale Little Tiger; 2nd, Ballyloughan Ponies, Heniarth Shooglenifty.
Class 251 - Welsh Section B: 1st, Kate Burns, Millcroft Classic Edition; 2nd, Lynne Burns, Brookhall Gypsy Moth.
Class 253 - Welsh 1/2/3 years old: 1st, Ballyloughan Ponies, Heniarth Shooglenifty; 2nd, Glenlough Pony Stud, St Johnston Super Bloom.
Welsh Championship: Champion, Connor McCormick, Brookvale Little Tiger; Reserve, Ballyloughan Ponies, Heniarth Shooglenifty.
Mountain & Moorland Ridden Ponies
Class 254 - M & M Lead Rein: 1st, Anita McClurg, Cwmllynfell Fury; 2nd, Mrs Ruth Wilson, Ulvercroft Select.
Class 255 - M & M First Ridden: 1st, Gillian Creighton, Kenilwood Monarch; 2nd, Hannah Thompson, Barns Rosanna.
M&M Mini Championship - Taylor Perpetual Trophy: Champion, Gillian Creighton, Kenilwood Monarch; Reserve, Anita McClurg, Cwmllynfell Fury.
Class 256 - Open Ridden M&M Small Breeds: 1st, Mrs Ruth Wilson, Thistledown Michigan.
Class 257 - Open Ridden M&M Large Breeds: 1st, Zoe Bell, LunesdaleStar Bo; 2nd, Euan McCracken.
Working Hunter
WH Ponies
Class 258 - WH Starter Stakes: 1st, A McClenaghan, Sweet William; 2nd, Megan Houston, Araglen Myles.
Class 259 - WH Novice Pony 133cm: 1st, Charlie Smiley, Noble Pied Piper; 2nd, Hannah Catterall, Miss Elle.
Class 260 - WH Novice Pony 143cm: 1st, P McGowan, Pebbly Timor; 2nd, Eirin Corbett, Rustums Jubilee.
Class 261 - WH Novice Pony 153cm: 1st, Beth Murray, Derry Mac; 2nd, Adrienne Stuart, Granshas One of a Kind.
Novice Working Hunter Pony Championship - Champion, P McGowan, Pebbly Timor; Reserve, Eirin Corbett, Rustums Jubilee.
Class 262 - WH Open Pony 133cm: 1st, P McGowan, Valepark Holiday; 2nd, Rachel Moore, Dunshane Paris.
Class 263 - WH Open Pony 143cm: 1st, Rachel Suffern, Abbagail Dream; 2nd, J McCullough, Loughnatousa Mojo.
Class 264 - WH Open Pony 153cm: 1st, Holly Hayes, Murphy's Spirit; 2nd, Rachel Suffern, Annagh Storm.
Open Working Hunter Pony Championship - Champion, Holly Hayes, Murphy's Spirit; Reserve, Rachel Suffern, Abbagail Dream.
WH Horses
Class 265 - Novice Horse Working Hunter: 1st, Chris Eakin, What a Lass; 2nd, Emma Jackson, Fist Full of Dollars.
Class 266 - Open Horse Working Hunter: 1st, Lynn Boggs, Tamerlane Ice; 2nd, Beth Armstrong, Orchard County.
* Top 10 placed in Class 266 qualified for the Show of the North Working Hunter Derby sponsored by Clive Richardson
Working Hunter Horse Championship: Champion, Lynn Boggs, Tamerlane Ice; Reserve, Beth Armstrong, Orchard County.
Show Jumping
Event 1 - Newcomers Class: 1st= Aaron Kirkland - Joe from Raphoe; Olivia Thompson - Gucci Too; Roisin Muirhead - Only My Eoin; Rachel O'Donnell - Runaway Dolly.
Event 2 - 128cm - 80cm: 1st= James McSorley - Anita's Pet; Rachel O'Donnell - Runaway Dolly.
Event 4 - 148cm - 1m: 1st, Richard Skillen - Clonross Family; Richard Skillen - Achill Girl; Grace Tunny - Fyanstown Henry.
Event 5 - 90cm Horse: 1st= Nicole Clements - Ballycoog Molly; Chris Eakin - What a Lass; Laura Wilson - Seattle Spray; Helen Pearson Murray - I Aint No Tinker; Emma Jackson - Crack N'Touch; Aimee Torrens - Maddydoo; Emma Jackson - Rockrimmon Rosses Point; Julie O'Hare - Morgan; Gwen Scott - Landgraffon; Helen Pearson Murray - Harcourt Pebbles; Emma Jackson - Rockrimmon Buddy; Gwen Scott - Drumhirk Dakota.
Event 6 - 1.0m: 1st= Catriona Jordan - Sweet Chilli; Helen Pearson Murray - Harcourt Pebbles; Danielle davison - Seapatrick Savanna Clover; Gwen Scott - FSD Alabama; Maurice Bingham - Brookpark Trixie; Leanne Marshall - GHS Cyprus Hill; Hugh McDowell - Ballykeigle Boy; Lorraine Leavesey - Kellswater vella Flight; Vladimir Langer - Recolpa Rose.
Event 7 - 1.10m: 1st, Oliver Savage, Woodstock P; 2nd, Vladimir Lander, Recolpa Rose.
Event 8 - 1.20m: 1st, Lorraine Leavesey, Kellswater Vella Flight; 2nd, Emma Jackson, Rockrimmon Senator.
