Riders came from as far as Malahide to compete and judges Karen Patterson BBC, Ann Smurfitt the K Club with Richard Lyttle former Navan Racecourse manager were in stitches at the brilliant acting skills of the riders.
The double decker bus was crammed with commentators and friends who clapped and cheered as the stars turned out in style and brought their best looking horses for the Isaac Agnew £1000 Mercedes Celebrity Challenge.
John Hassard Manager of Portadown Branch who sponsored the event was delighted. "These riders have really been great sport. The weather was appalling yet they made the effort to come and compete, give everyone a laugh and have fun. Its days like these you never forget."
The eventual winner Ian Wilson of Wilsons Auctions got the extra point from Ann Smurfit for his stylish round to win the event and £1000 which he will donate to charity. In addition Wilson will add another £1000 bringing the total to £2000 to Mencap.
Albert Lowry from Newtownards, a veteran huntsman opened the competition with an amazing round in great style worthy of a hunter championship win in Dublin. A great sport, Albert produced a high standard of horsemanship and drew great praise for his skills. Also great sport was Alec Murdock from Comber whose showjumping skills were excellent and he may be limbering up for the Grand Prix circuit.
Amanda Lilley of BBC Sport forgot her horse but jumped the fences herself dressed as Alan Sugars apprentice with Tate and Lyle stickers on her hat and an L Plate on her suit.
Trainer Brian Hamilton was a motor cycle racer and had another great round as did Suzy Barkley on her horse Mr Flowers. Dressed as Mrs Flowers Suzy blew a puff of smoke from her cigarello at the commentator Brendan McArdle as Mr Flowers had a necklace of colourful flowers round his neck. In true Caprilli forward John Whitaker style Suzy took off to win a special spot prize for her fancy dress.
Rev Colin Hall Thompson dressed as a judge complete with wig produced another stylish round. Fit as a fiddle he rides out racehorses each week in between giving sermons and looks a strong contender for the Grand National.
Bree Rutledge of Farm Week wore a Bob Dylan wig while Margie McLoone of Irish Field was dressed as Amy Winehouse. Margie was another who collected a spot prize for her fancy dress. The media really enjoyed the event and Sabrina Sweeney of BBC interviewed competitors.
Defending champion Lady Jane Alexander was represented by Jonathan Cresswell who competed sidesaddle and was amazing to take second place. Former champion pony jumper Jonathan is enjoying a career as a race jockey.
Wilson Dennison, who recovered from a serious neck injury last year was also impressive over the fences in his red jacket.
Gary Lowry, bloodstock dealer was most stylish rider competing bareback as a red indian. His seat was so perfect throughout it looked as if he was competing in a saddle.
Valerie Dennison's Lady Godiva wig and fig leaves brought great giggles from the crowd. The former eventer was a real star comedian and her long blonde hair went down a treat with the
spectators.
Gary Clugston as a pirate sported an ear ring and long black hair while Colin McBratney was Sheik Mahommed. Both trainers rode fantastic rounds as did Gary Jones son of trainer Barney Jones.
Powers Whiskey presented a bottle to each rider and Mercedes Benz rosettes were presented by John Hassard.
Joan Cunningham thanked the riders for the fantastic entertainment and commentators Brendan McArdle and Terence McKeague kept the banter flowing.
Richard Lyttle added: "This was a great event, everyone made a big effort despite the weather. It was a lot of fun, and everyone brought good looking horses and were all able to ride a course of fences."
Isaac Agnew Mercedes Benz £1000 Celebrity Challenge
1 Ian Wilson, Wilsons Auctions
2 Jonathan Creswell, Derry
3 Gary Lowry, Most Stylish