SPORTS AWARDS: Performance of the Year - Eva McClurg (equestrianism)

Little Eva McClurg won the hearts of the Sports Awards audience as well as the Sporting Performance award.
Don Stirling of sponsors Stirling Trophies presents the Sporting Performance award to Eva McClurg. INBT06-220ACDon Stirling of sponsors Stirling Trophies presents the Sporting Performance award to Eva McClurg. INBT06-220AC
Don Stirling of sponsors Stirling Trophies presents the Sporting Performance award to Eva McClurg. INBT06-220AC

The 11-year-old landed the prize - designed to reward participants for a particularly stand-out performance - for her equestrian exploits in the UK Mountain and Moorland Rider of the Year competition where she initially competed in her age group (under-14), and was placed first out of 50 children, gaining the highest ride mark.

In the final she had to compete against two other categories - 14-18 years and 18-25 years - under lights and in front of a large crowd of spectators.

She produced an amazing display and was selected as Reserve Supreme Mountain and Moorland Young Rider of the Year and was only beaten by a 25-year-old male competititor who wides professionally for a living!

Eva was rightly proud of her efforts in what she described as “the best year so far”.

“To be the second best rider in Great Britain is quite amazing.”

The Broughshane Primary School pupil drew laughter from the audience when she told compere Jackie Fullerton: “I train six days a week after school - with my mum shouting at me”

Also short-listed: Aaron Swan (cycling); Steven Shields (bowls).

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