Great weather, great riding, great fun and great results – everything came together for us this year at Flowerhill. After a ribbonless trip to the Galway venue in 2010, the club covered itself in glory in 2011. Anne Chambers on Molly had a magnificent win in the Advanced Primary Championship while, on her fourth trip to Flowerhill, Marina and the veteran Teldel took second place in the Intermediate Championship. Marina was a single second slower than the optimum time. The winner was a single second faster than it and thus, under riding club rules, took the higher placing.
A cloud settled gloomily over the Intermediate class when it transpired that Connor Gallagher of the Gaeltachts had come home clear on exactly the optimum time only to find that a careless fence judge had marked down a penalty on the score sheet. His objection was barely considered and he finished ignominiously down the field instead of in the centre of the limelight. Our hearts go out to you Connor. And the composure which he and his father Neil showed in the face of this injustice was admirable.
It was a brilliant weekend. Glancing back at the place one last time as the lorry pulled out the gate for the long road home, Erica summed it all up: “I can’t wait to come back next year”. Amen to that.
Photos in the Gallery. Check out the Donegal Gaeltacht’s report and photos too on their website.
Pictured below: Anne, our Advanced Primary champion, and Marina, in the Intermediate ribbons.
Letterkenny Riding Club 