Great Britain notched up an incredible 6th win this evening as Anna Edwards rode to victory in the €50,000 Millstreet International Grand Prix. The 28 year-old had no problem with course designer Mark McGowan’s challenging Grand Prix course and jumped clear in the first and second round riding “Diaghilev;” a nine year old bay gelding by Vanglis Z and owned by Terry Payne. Based in North Somerset, Anna is trained by world renowned riders Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton as well as Commandant John Ledingham through the Equine Pathway.
With the points and a half on offer at the final stage of the GBI (Great Britain and Ireland Tour), Anna secured 15 points, putting her just one ahead of fellow British contender Joe Clayton and meaning she leaves Millstreet with an additional leading rider prize worth €5,000.
Forty riders came forward in the feature class of the week at the Millstreet International Horse Show and less than a second behind the winner; having also jumped a double clear was British rider Daniel Nielsen with “Varo M.” Best of the Irish was Richard James Howley in 3rd position with “Camiro De Haar Z.”
Record crowds have been enjoying superb weather conditions and top-class International showjumping during the week and this continued on the final day, despite the odd shower. Earlier in the afternoon, Jill Twomey was on hand to present Daren Hopkins with the inaugural Hitchmough Bursary. From Co. Mayo, the young rider will benefit from three days training and associated travel expenses with Irish Olympian Billy Twomey in the UK.
Other winners on the final day of action at the Co. Cork venue included William Funnell and Billy Mexico in the Millstreet Boomerang and Guy Williams recording his third International win of the week in the Consolation class with Torino Van De Middelstede.
Since Tuesday afternoon, nearly 8,000 competitors have partaken in 93 classes with a combined prize fund of just under €200,000. Speaking on the closing day, Millstreet International Horse Show Director Thomas Duggan declared the show to be a resounding success. “This was a great week for the Green Glens Arena and for Irish equestrian sport. After a challenging few years we can finally look forwards rather than backwards and focus on making Millstreet a truly unmissable part of the International showjumping calendar.”
Speaking at the International Rider’s Reception on Thursday evening, Noel C. Duggan acknowledged the financial support from IRD Duhallow under the LEADER programme. Improvements to the venue were warmly received by visiting riders; include the installation of 500 International standard stables, new custom-made showjumps and an improved internal administration system.
