Riders serve up plenty of action in Portrush

The schedule included a total of four events all of which were very well supporeted. Conditions on the day in Portrush were perfect for showjumping and with slick management all classes ran off smoothly without any hitches.

The show got under way with the qualifier for amateur riders which attracted a strong entry including six competitors all the way from Sligo. The win in this class went to the highly talented all round sportswoman from Castlederg Lynn Russell riding Mr McKean’s Rockmount Misty Star with the evergreen local rider Philip White in second place with on his own Figergas. Apart from her horseriding Lynn is an accomplished hockey player and captain of the highly successful Derg Valley ladies hockey team.

Class 2 for 5 years old horses went to the young Ardmore rider Daneil Coyle on Mr McClintock’s Pay Back. Daniel is one of the most successful riders on the national circuit and always a welcome visitor to Portrush.

Class 3 for 6 & 7 years old horses was won in some style by the young Randalstown junior international rider Shannon McKenzie on Ciscos Chateau with her coach and mentor international star Harry Marshall in 2nd, 3rd and 4th places.

In the fourth Class at 1.30 cms Harry Marshall gave a masterly display to run out an easy winner on his own Kingdom with the young pretender Daniel Coyle in 2nd and 3rd places. This was a highly competitive class with 33 entries providing some excellent entertainment for the very many spectators who support the showjumping in Portrush.

The organisers were delighted to welcome Dr Ernie Logan the RUAS vice president to the show and also Mrs Myrtle Peake and her husband Watson to the show. Also present were Mrs Rhonda Gearey and Jenny McNeill senior members of the RUAS management team.

Showjumping returns to The Bowl in Portrush on Saturday 4 May with a full schedule of classes up to 1.20 cms. The action begins at 10.00am sharp.