Winter League Finals at Woodlands EC
Woodlands 29/03/2009
The Winter League finals at Woodlands Equestrian Centre, Sligo, took place on the first day of summer (time).
The upper level classes were judged first with Siobhan Cazabon Sullivan and Aramis taking the three red rosettes in Tests 98,73 and 61, thereby securing the Winter League Medium Championship. In the Elementary classes, Shauna Finneran won Test 58 but had to concede Test 43 to Simone Hession and her grey mare, Beezies Rose. However, Shauna was virtually unopposed to take home, once again, the Winter League Elementary Championship.
Siobhan Cazabon Sullivan continued her conquest of the Winter League Championships by taking the trophy home in the Novice section. This was not without some competition from last year's Preliminary winner, Sally Ann Millar and Wadondiego. This combination placed first and second in Tests 22 and 38, respectively.
Competition intensified as the day went on with the Under 12's and Pony Club classes came under the eye of Judge, Claire Fitzsimons. Like her Mum, Siobhan, Alana Cazabon Sullivan rode two ponies, Lily and Amber, to equal first place in the Pony Club section and came away with a lovely trophy and an armload of chocolates for her win in the Pony Club Winter League Championship.
Through hard work and determination and a nearly perfect attendance record, Sophie Lowe topped the day's class and the league to become the first Under 12's Winter League Champion in our region.
The Winter League Preliminary Championship was a tussle between the residents of Ardfry Stud. Claire Crawford had two mounts in contention, Ardfry Balmoral and Cashel Bay Prince, while stable jockey, Padraig Flanagan, rode Young Walt. Claire and her home bred mare, Ardfry Balmoral, were the eventual winners with a total score of 40.5.
The team competition went down to the wire. Only when the last score of of the day was posted did the teams know who had won. Cleggan Riding Centre Team (Siobhan Cazabon Sullivan, Alana Cazabon Sullivan, Ruth Brennan, Andrew Cahill) edged out the Ardfry Stud Team (Claire Crawford, Padraig Flanagan, Pataire Crawford, Claire Crawford).
€140 was raised for the North West Hospice from proceeds of the Team Competition and donations for refreshments. Special thanks to the riders, registered, unregistered and juniors, who supported the 2008/09 Winter League. And thank you to the sponsors of the Winter League Finals: Surlis Super Value and Gowla Horse Feeds and to the judges, scribes and helpers on the day.